Emergency Obstetric Care Services in Primary Healthcare Facilities: Healthcare Workers’ Experiences and Clients’ Satisfaction in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, often resulting from complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Access to quality emergency obstetric care is vital to reducing these deaths. Purpose: This study explored healthcare providers’ experiences and clients’ satisfaction with emergency obstetric care services at primary healthcare centres in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative design was employed. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 17 healthcare workers and 3 focus group discussions involving 24 clients. Data was analyzed thematically using the Donabedian framework. Results: Despite challenges, such as inadequate staffing, limited equipment, and irregular drug supplies, healthcare providers demonstrated resilience in delivering emergency obstetric care services and ensuring timely referrals. Process-related barriers; particularly poor communication and long waiting times negatively influenced satisfaction, especially among referred clients. Those who received direct care at primary healthcare centres reported higher satisfaction. Conclusion: Addressing human resource shortages, infrastructural deficits, and training gaps is crucial to improving emergency obstetric care quality and client satisfaction. Strengthening ongoing professional development and resource allocation will optimize care delivery. Implications for Nursing: Nurses play a central role in emergency obstetric care services. Enhancing their training, work environment, and institutional support is vital to reducing maternal mortality and improving care outcomes. Keywords: Emergency obstetric care, Primary healthcare centres, Maternal health, Client satisfaction, Healthcare providers’ experiences, Donabedian framwor