HIV-positive patients' perceptions of care received at a selected antiretroviral therapy clinic in Vhembe district, South Africa.

Tshifhiwa V Ndou,Patrone R Risenga,Sonto M Maputle

doi:10.4102/phcfm.v8i2.926

Abstract

BackgroundPatients’ experiences are a reflection of what has happened during the care process and, therefore, provide information about the performance of health care professional workers. They refer to the process of care provision at the antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites.Aim and settingThis article explored the perceptions of HIV-positive patients of care received at the Gateway Clinic of the regional hospital that provides antiretroviral treatment in the Vhembe district.MethodsA qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was used. A non-probability, convenient sampling method was used to select 20 HIV-positive patients who were above 18 years of age. In-depth individual interviews were used to collect data. Data were analysed through Tech’s open coding method.ResultsOne theme and two sub-themes emerged, namely positive experiences related to the environment and attitudes of health professionals, and negative experiences concerning the practices by health care providers.ConclusionPatients’ perceptions of quality of, and satisfaction with, health care may affect health outcomes. Recommendations are made to consider, practice and strengthen the protocols, the standard operating procedures and the principles of infection control in the health facilities.

Highlights

Patient experiences can be defined as reflections of what has happened during the care process and, provide information about the performance of health care professional workers
The following sub-themes emerged, namely positive experiences related to the environment and attitudes of health professionals, and negative experiences with regard to the practices by health care providers
Perceptions of HIV-positive patients of care described by health professionals at the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic were explored

Summary

Introduction

Patient experiences can be defined as reflections of what has happened during the care process and, provide information about the performance of health care professional workers. Satisfaction has been observed with regard to HIV services and management, Kieft et al.[5] indicated that less is known about perceptions of clinical care, for HIV-positive patients. Patients’ experiences are a reflection of what has happened during the care process and, provide information about the performance of health care professional workers. They refer to the process of care provision at the antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion