Care decision making of frontline providers of maternal and newborn health services in the greater Accra region of Ghana.

Objectives: To explore the "how" and "why" of care decision making by frontline providers of maternal and newborn services in the Greater Accra region of Ghana and determine appropriate interventions needed to support its quality and related maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods: A cross sectional and descriptive mixed method study involving a desk review of maternal and newborn care protocols and guidelines availability, focus group discussions and administration of a structured questionnaire and observational checklist to frontline providers of maternal and newborn care.

Results: Tacit knowledge or 'mind lines' was an important primary approach to care decision making.