Department of Nursing and Midwifery

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Browsing Department of Nursing and Midwifery by browse.metadata.advisor "Baron, Justine Carla"

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    Perceptions of primary healthcare nurses about the effectiveness of their working environment for integrated primary healthcare service delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Baartman, Zubrina; Young, Cornelle; Baron, Justine Carla; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Nursing & Midwifery.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: An effective working environment is imperative to provide successful integrated primary healthcare (IPHC) services to the community. Such an environment comprises a collaborative primary healthcare team, functional organisational support, and effective cooperation among team members and with the community. Healthcare efficiency, accessibility, and equity are increased through a working environment which positively affects IPHC delivery. Without an effective working environment and with recurrent patient visits causing overcrowding, subsequent patient dissatisfaction and complaints are experienced. A loss of trust in the primary healthcare (PHC) system are thus encountered. Therefore, it was necessary to explore the perceptions of PHC nurses on the effectiveness of their working environment in enabling IPHC service delivery in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District, sub-district B in the Eastern Cape Province. Methods: A qualitative research methodology was used with an exploratory research design. The study population comprised nine PHC nurses. Semi- structured interviews were conducted, using an interview guide with open-ended questions, and data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Findings of the study indicated that staff shortages and a lack of training opportunities act as barriers to a conducive working environment for IPHC delivery. This situation is exacerbated by inadequate internal and external infrastructure: sub- standard provision of utilities such as water, sewerage, and electricity, the lack of equipment and pharmacy stock, and unreliable transportation of patients for referrals. High patient loads, ineffectual teamwork within the clinic, and insufficient management support are more impediments in the setting towards an effective working environment for IPHC services. Conclusion: Primary healthcare nurses identified challenges within their current working environment to render effective IPHC service. A favourable working environment should be established to increase comprehensive and integrative PHC service delivery as a quality component of South African healthcare.