Original Research

Clinician perceptions and patient experiences of antiretroviral treatment integration in primary health care clinics, Tshwane, South Africa

Maphuthego D. Mathibe, Stephen J.H. Hendricks, Anne-Marie Bergh
Curationis | Vol 38, No 1 | a1489 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v38i1.1489 | © 2015 Maphuthego D. Mathibe, Stephen J.H. Hendricks, Anne-Marie Bergh | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 24 February 2015 | Published: 02 October 2015

About the author(s)

Maphuthego D. Mathibe, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria and Health and Social Development & SRAC, City of Tshwane, South Africa
Stephen J.H. Hendricks, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Anne-Marie Bergh, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria and MRC Unit for Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Primary Health Care (PHC) clinicians and patients are major role players in the South African antiretroviral treatment programme. Understanding their perceptions and experiences of integrated care and the management of people living with HIV and AIDS in PHC facilities is necessary for successful implementation and sustainability of integration.

Objective: This study explored clinician perceptions and patient experiences of integration of antiretroviral treatment in PHC clinics.

Method: An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted in four city of Tshwane PHC facilities. Two urban and two rural facilities following different models of integration were included. A self-administered questionnaire with open-ended items was completed by 35 clinicians and four focus group interviews were conducted with HIV-positive patients. The data were coded and categories were grouped into sub-themes and themes.

Results: Workload, staff development and support for integration affected clinicians’ performance and viewpoints. They perceived promotion of privacy, reduced discrimination and increased access to comprehensive care as benefits of service integration. Delays, poor patient care and patient dissatisfaction were viewed as negative aspects of integration. In three facilities patients were satisfied with integration or semi-integration and felt common queues prevented stigma and discrimination, whilst the reverse was true in the facility with separate services. Single-month issuance of antiretroviral drugs and clinic schedule organisation was viewed negatively, as well as poor staff attitudes, poor communication and long waiting times.

Conclusion: Although a fully integrated service model is preferable, aspects that need further attention are management support from health authorities for health facilities, improved working conditions and appropriate staff development opportunities.


Keywords

No related keywords in the metadata.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 4421
Total article views: 6956

 

Crossref Citations

1. Challenges influencing nurse-initiated management of antiretroviral therapy training and implementation in Ngaka Modiri Molema district, North West province
Sheillah H. Mboweni, Lufuno Makhado
Health SA Gesondheid  vol: 25  year: 2020  
doi: 10.4102/hsag.v25i0.1174