Perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on healthcare services in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Although there are several health facilities with infrastructure to cater to healthcare services, there are still healthcare facilities with inadequate infrastructure in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, to provide comprehensive healthcare services. This study investigates the perceptions of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on the provision of healthcare services in KwaZulu-Natal. Objectives: This study aims to determine the perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on healthcare services at Goodwins Clinic in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Method: This qualitative study applied a phenomenological design by conducting in-depth interviews with individual patients (n = 20) and healthcare workers (n = 10) purposively selected in 2022. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis framework. Results: Participants reported that health facility infrastructure affects healthcare services. Furthermore, old facility structures, scattered structures and limited working spaces were found to be the leading factors affecting healthcare services in the facility. Conclusion: The facility’s structural design factors need to be considered to ensure that the health facility structure is adequate to deliver healthcare services and motivate radical transformation in measuring and managing healthcare facilities.