Healthcare providers' perceptions of maternal and newborn care quality in the West Bank, Palestine: a qualitative study

Background The Sustainable Development Goals highlight the need for high-quality antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and enhance overall well-being. This study aimed to explore healthcare providers' perceptions of maternal and newborn care quality in the West Bank, occupied Palestinian territories, where the healthcare system faces systemic and political challenges. Methods This qualitative study was undertaken in government hospitals and primary healthcare clinics operating under the Palestinian Ministry of Health across the north, central, and south regions of the West Bank. Between May and October 2023, sixteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare providers, comprising 12 midwives and four physicians. The interviews were guided by the Quality Maternal and Newborn Care Framework, which focuses on practice, organization, values, philosophy, and care providers. Data were analyzed using the reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results Two main themes were developed. The first, "navigating high demands in an unpredictable system," highlights the toll of professional burnout and systemic challenges, including resource shortages, administrative inefficiencies, and the impact of the Israeli occupation. The second, "opportunities for enhancing care quality," identifies pathways for improvement, including expanding the role of midwives in decision-making, encouraging respectful and person-centered care, increasing access to evidence-based clinical training, and strengthening care coordination and continuity. Conclusions The findings highlight critical challenges and key opportunities for improving maternal and newborn care quality in the West Bank. Addressing these issues holistically through the lens of the Quality Maternal and Newborn Care Framework aligns with global priorities and offers a pathway to strengthen quality of care in conflict-affected settings.