Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to strengthen its contribution to advancing maternal healthcare through research that promotes compassionate, evidence-based clinical practice. A study by Dr Ntsoaki Margaret Tshabalala, a Nursing Science lecturer at SMU, has resulted in the development of comprehensive guidelines designed to improve holistic perinatal care during intimate examinations, placing women’s dignity, emotional wellbeing and informed consent at the centre of maternity care.
Intimate examinations, including assessments of the breasts, abdomen and vagina during pregnancy, labour, postnatal care and gynaecological screening, are an essential component of midwifery practice. However, they can also be a source of anxiety, fear and embarrassment, particularly for first-time mothers or women with previous traumatic experiences. Dr Tshabalala’s research highlights the importance of recognising not only the physical aspects of care, but also the psychological, emotional, social and spiritual needs of women throughout the perinatal period.
“The findings show that holistic perinatal care must extend beyond clinical competence,” said Dr Tshabalala. “Midwives should provide respectful communication, obtain informed consent and offer psychosocial support throughout intimate examinations to ensure women feel safe, valued and respected.”
The guidelines were developed through a rigorous four-phase research process that included an integrative literature review, semi-structured telephone interviews with postnatal women, a nominal group technique involving midwives and specialists, and a Delphi study with maternal and neonatal experts from South Africa and abroad. This comprehensive methodology ensured that the recommendations reflected both scientific evidence and the lived experiences of women receiving maternity care.
The study produced eight key guidelines to strengthen holistic perinatal care. These include improving professional communication during intimate examinations, adhering to ethical and legal standards, creating supportive physical environments, strengthening staff training and competency, recognising individual patient needs, enhancing the quality of intimate care practices, providing social and psychological support, and ensuring management commitment to holistic care delivery. Together, these recommendations provide a practical framework for improving the quality and consistency of maternity care in clinical settings.
Dr Tshabalala believes these guidelines have the potential to improve trust between healthcare professionals and patients while reducing the emotional distress often associated with intimate examinations. “Providing compassionate, person-centred care is fundamental to improving women’s experiences during pregnancy and childbirth. When healthcare professionals communicate with empathy and respect, they foster confidence and contribute to better maternal outcomes,” she said.
The research forms part of Dr Tshabalala’s doctoral study, titled Development of guidelines for holistic perinatal care during intimate examinations, completed at the University of Pretoria. Her academic and professional background in midwifery, nursing education and maternal healthcare has positioned her as an advocate for improving perinatal care through research, education and clinical practice.
By translating research into practical guidance for healthcare professionals, SMU continues to demonstrate its commitment to transforming health services through excellence and innovation. The university’s emphasis on research that addresses real-world healthcare challenges reinforces its role in developing evidence-based solutions that improve patient care and advance the health and wellbeing of communities across South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
