Backgroundmanagement of persistent occiput posterior position has always been controversial. Manual rotation by a delivery operator can reduce instrumental delivery and cesarean section.AimThis study aims to determine the knowledge and experience of midwives and gynecologists about manual rotation of persistent occiput posterior position.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2022. The questionnaire link was sent to 300 participating midwives and gynecologists via WhatsApp Messenger. Two hundred sixty-two participants completed the questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS22 statistical software and descriptive statistics.Results189 people (73.3%) had limited information about this technique, and 240 (93%) had never performed it. If this technique is recognized as a safe intervention and is included in the national protocol, 239 people (92.6%) want to learn, and 212 (82.2%) are willing to do it.ConclusionAccording to the results, the knowledge and skills of midwives and gynecologists need to be trained and improved for manual rotation of persistent occiput posterior position.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-023-05797-x.