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There is a growing interest in using drama techniques and theatrical performance to disseminate health information to lay audiences as part of community engagement projects. This process can be challenging for a number of reasons, however. In this paper, we describe the process and pitfalls of an interdisciplinary project involving the development and performance of a play about diabetes mellitus. The play formed part of a long-term, three-way community engagement project between social science, applied drama and a diabetes clinic in South Africa. Building on a framework derived from a number of applied drama methods, we elicited narratives from key ‘storytellers’ that were developed and embodied by actors in a new performance called Blood Sugars. Creating this play provided insight into working in an interdisciplinary space and highlighted the importance of establishing shared goals and joint ownership of the project right from the outset. This was without doubt a challenging project and the complexities of finding common ground across three disciplines are not to be underestimated. In this paper, we explore the collaboration and its challenges, drawing on the framework of complexity theory. In particular, we examine the layers of complexity that emerged as a result of the interdisciplinary nature of the project and the demands of balancing the authenticity of the stories with the perceived requirements of health messaging. We consider the methodological, conceptual and ethical challenges of this type of research, and discuss some recommendations for teams taking on similar complex multidisciplinary research and intervention projects.

Aims and objectives To explore the perspectives of patients and health professionals on facilitators and barriers to care in a diabetes clinic in urban South Africa. Background Although much attention has been given to the science behind diabetes management, a qualitative approach to exploring experiences, facilitators and barriers to care may have considerable value in understanding and improving diabetes care. Design We conducted a qualitative study in the context of a 3‐year collaboration at a diabetes clinic. The present study formed part of the preparatory phase to the larger project. Methods Linguistically and culturally matched research assistants collected data over a period of 18 months. Methods included interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observations and informal discussions with 38 patients and health professionals. Data from each participant group were transcribed, translated and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis principles and thereafter triangulated. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was followed. Results Initial findings suggest that factors can be classified into three overarching themes: relationships, health systems and the interplay between disease and the lifeworld. System resource pressures, the nuances of team interactions and a complex healthcare site may adversely affect care, even at sites where there are elements of good practice. Conclusions The collective psychosocial experience of patients appears to conflict with the biomedical approach to diabetes management. The all‐consuming nature of the disease, together with contextual and systemic factors, plays a significant role in influencing experiences of care. Relevance to clinical practice While systemic and contextual influences on experiences of diabetes care may be difficult to modify, our study suggests a need to focus on ways of enhancing relationships within the clinic and seeking to understand the lifeworld of the patient.

Introduction Evidence strongly shows that a supportive, involved male partner facilitates maternal HIV testing during pregnancy, increases maternal antiretroviral (ART) adherence and increases HIV-free infant survival. Partner engagement in antenatal care (ANC) is influential; however, the most effective strategy to engage male partners is currently unknown. Engaging pregnant women to understand whether male partner involvement is welcome in ANC, what this involvement entails and how best to invite their partner is an important first step in determining how best to engage male partners. Methods We interviewed 36 pregnant women receiving ANC services at a district hospital in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their current relationship, the type of partner support they receive, whether they would like their male partner to be involved in their ANC, and how best to invite their male partner to their appointments. We conducted a thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews using MAXQDA software. Results Financial, emotional, and physical support were noted as important aspects of support currently provided by male partners, with most pregnant women wanting their partners to engage in ANC services during pregnancy. Preferred engagement strategies included participation in couple-based HIV testing and counseling, regular ANC appointment attendance, and delivery room presence. Women who reported a positive relationship with her partner were more likely to prefer inviting their partner without health facility assistance, while those who reported challenges in their relationship preferred assistance through a letter or community health worker. Pregnant women perceived regular business hours (due to their partner being employed and unable to take off work) and having a partner involved in multiple relationships as barriers in getting their partner to attend ANC services. Discussion Rural South African women, even those in unsatisfactory relationships want their male partners to attend their ANC visits and birth. To make this possible, health facilities will have to tailor male partner engagement outreach strategies to the preferences and needs of the pregnant woman.