Development of a framework to prepare midwives for relief work in West Africa

Background/Aims: Midwives who volunteer as aid workersoverseas need to be equipped with knowledge of the localculture and customs prior to their deployment. However, thisinformation is not always easily accessible. The aim of this studywas to address the need for knowledge prior to departure byinterviewing expatriate workers about their experiences of livingand working in Liberia, to develop a framework to guide thestructure of future guideline development.Methods: In this qualitative study, eight expatriate nursesand midwives working with humanitarian organisations wereinterviewed; transcripts were subject to thematic contentanalysis. It was possible to confirm the findings through personalexperiences of a 7-week placement as a midwife.Results/Conclusions: The findings suggest that information isrequired to support intrinsic, extrinsic and practical aspects ofworking as a midwife in humanitarian response situations. Thistripartite structure can be used to inform preparation more effectively.