The perceptions of professional nurses regarding factors affecting the provision of quality health care services at selected rural public clinics in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: Despite many initiatives made by the National Department of Health through the Minister of Health, the provision of quality health care services remains a serious challenge in South Africa, especially in public rural clinics.Aim: The study aims to determine the perceptions of professional nurses on the factors affecting the provision of quality health care services at selected public primary health care clinics in rural areas of the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province.Setting: The study was conducted at selected public primary health care clinics in rural areas of the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province.Methods: This study utilised a quantitative method, descriptive and a cross-sectional study conducted for three months at the selected public primary health care clinics. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 155 professional nurses who met the selection criteria. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences programme version 26.0.Results: The results of 155 professional nurses were only 116 (74%) and reported that the use of modern technology such as electronic blood pressure, sonar machines and pulse reading computers improves the quality of health care services. Also 129 (84%), 124 (77%) and 118 (76%) reported that they were overwhelmed by the workload, the staff attitude and cleanliness of the clinic, respectively, which all affect the quality of health care services rendered. Moreover, only about 29 (19%) were satisfied with the salary they earned.Conclusion: Despite the effort and interventions put in place by the Department of Health with regard to the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance in response to the current deficiencies in the quality of primary health care services and to lay a strong foundation for the implementation of National Health Insurance. The quality of health care services is still hindered by several factors such as an overwhelming workload, the attitude of the staff and cleanliness in the work environment, poor infrastructure and the professional nurses perceive the environment as lacking equipment.

Pattern and perception of wellbeing, quality of work life and quality of care of health professionals in Southwest Nigeria

“…Amongst them are inadequate provision of care, materials, consumables and manpower; unsafe and unconducive environment; unequal and inequitable service; and late diagnosis and delayed treatment. These factors and others have been reported to compromise quality of health care provided [ 14 , 40 , 41 ]. These aforementioned factors buttressed deficiencies in the structure, process and outcome of care [ 40 ].…”

“…These factors and others have been reported to compromise quality of health care provided [ 14 , 40 , 41 ]. These aforementioned factors buttressed deficiencies in the structure, process and outcome of care [ 40 ]. Nigeria like most African countries is facing health care service challenges such as inadequate budget allocation to health care services and human resources.…”

“…This proportion is substantial as the wellbeing of health professionals is crucial for the provision of quality health care. Health professionals in Nigeria, like many African countries, reported poor personal wellbeing, work life quality and care compared with international health professionals [38,[40][41][42][43]. The African continent is facing healthcare service challenges including inadequate human resources, budget constraints in healthcare services, and poor leadership and management in healthcare [40] and these problems may be responsible for increased burnout among healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa which worsen poor performance in these construct [7].…”

Challenges Experienced By Primary Health Care Nurses Rendering 24 Hours Service at Designated Clinics in Musina Local Area, Limpopo Province

“…It has been observed that the shortage of staff at clinics negatively impacts patient waiting times, leading to low patient satisfaction, poor compliance with medications, and even missed appointments [23]. Furthermore, it was reported that the number of nurses at clinic facilities should be increased to reduce the increased workload caused by many programs rendered at the clinics, thereby hindering the comprehensive PHC approach from being effectively implemented [7]. The findings are supported by a study [24], indicating that nurses working in primary healthcare settings face emotional and physical stress and have excessive workloads due to the shortage of human resources.…”

“…The PHC services render 24-hour services using a call system to attend the emergency patients. Moreover, nonemergency cases also visit the clinics for consultation as nurses are always available on a 24 hours call system [7].…”