Maternal Satisfaction with Midwifery-Led Triage Systems in Tertiary Obstetric Units

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 115–123

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000145

Original Research Article

Title: Maternal Satisfaction with Midwifery-Led Triage Systems in Tertiary Obstetric Units

Names of Authors: Fatoumatta B. Jallow¹, Blessing N. Okechukwu²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Banjul, The Gambia
²School of Midwifery, Central Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract:
Overcrowding in tertiary obstetric emergency departments frequently results in delayed care and poor patient satisfaction. This study evaluated maternal satisfaction with a newly established midwifery-led obstetric triage system in a major metropolitan referral hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional exit survey was conducted with 340 postpartum women who were admitted through the triage unit. Maternal satisfaction was quantified using a modified 5-point Likert scale instrument, and independent predictors were isolated using multivariable logistic regression. The overall satisfaction rate with the midwifery-led triage framework reached 76.5%. The mean waiting time from arrival to clinical assessment dropped from 1.8 hours under the old model to 18.5 ± 4.2 minutes under the new system. Regression models confirmed that clear, empathetic communication of clinical urgency levels by the triage midwife (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.89–6.22, p < 0.001) and short waiting intervals (p = 0.004) were strongly predictive of excellent satisfaction ratings. Conversely, physical discomfort in the waiting reception was a major driver of low scores. The study demonstrates that structural decentralization of obstetric triage to specialized midwives optimizes patient throughput and enhances maternal care experiences.

Keywords: Obstetric Triage; Midwifery Care; Patient Satisfaction; Emergency Obstetric Care; Waiting Time; Maternal Experience.

Manuscript Timeline: Received June 15, 2026; Revised August 06, 2026; Accepted August 24, 2026; Published September 04, 2026.

Citation: Jallow, F. B., & Okechukwu, B. N. (2026). Maternal Satisfaction with Midwifery-Led Triage Systems in Tertiary Obstetric Units. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 115–123. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000145

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