Perspectives of healthcare workers on the challenges with obstetric referrals in rural communities in Ghana: a descriptive phenomenology study.

We conclude that in order for obstetric referrals in rural Ghana to be effective and timely, there is the need to raise more awareness about the need for patients to comply with referral directives, through health education messages and campaigns. Given our findings on the delays associated with long deliberations, the study recommends the training of more cadre of healthcare providers to facilitate obstetric referral processes. Such an intervention would help to improve the current low staff strength. Also, there is a need to improve ambulatory services in rural communities to counteract the challenges that poor transportation system poses on obstetric referrals.