Abstract
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of having a birth companion present to enhance care outcomes and satisfaction of mothers during labor and delivery. However, the care process provided by a companion midwife during childbirth is not well understood and existing challenges have not been identified. This study will be conducted with the aim of explaining the care process by companion midwives during childbirth and providing strategies to improve companion midwife regulations. METHODS: This qualitative study will use a grounded theory approach. The main participants will be companion midwives. Sampling will start with purposive sampling and continue through theoretical sampling based on emerging categories until data saturation is achieved. Data will be collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, field notes, and memos. Data analysis will follow the Strauss and Corbin (2015) method, which includes five steps: (1) identification of concepts (2), development of concepts based on their characteristics and dimensions (3), contextual data analysis (4), incorporation of the process into the analysis, and (5) integration of categories. In the second stage of the project, using the data extracted from the qualitative section, existing literature and the nominal group technique steps, solutions will be presented to improve the companion midwife program to be presented to policy makers and planners. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of care by companion midwives. Because, will identify the obstacles and facilitators of the implementation of the companion midwifery program in maternity settings. ETHICAL CODE: IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC.1402.130.