Ethical concerns in maternal and child healthcare in Malawi

Background Caring is a core function of nurses and it confers upon them ethical obligations as agents. Failure to carry out such raises concerns. This study was not intended explore concerns, but the reported findings reveal problems which have implications. paper aims elucidate issues inherent in propose strategies mitigate them. Research design methods An exploratory-descriptive qualitative used within larger Action Study. Data were collected through focus group discussions with nurse/midwives, exit interviews conducted women who participated on their day discharge. Six thirty conducted, data analysed thematic analysis. Participants research context The took place at selected maternal child healthcare settings Lilongwe, Malawi. participants nurse/midwives admitted purposively sampled. Ethical considerations approval obtained from relevant ethics committee all guidelines followed conduct study. Findings are presented under three themes emerged data. effects staff shortages patient outcomes, experienced low resource clinical disrespectful nurse/patient communication. Conclusion that institutional factors constrain moral agency safety severely compromised some Malawi serious