Abstract
BackgroundDespite 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.AimThe 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.SettingThe study was conducted at selected public primary health care clinics in rural areas of the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province.MethodsThis 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionDespite 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.
Highlights
The quality of health care services refers to a degree that health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.[1]
Less than half of the professional nurses, 76 (49%), indicated that they have the required numbers of professional nurses with the necessary specialties to enhance the provision of quality health care services
Most participants reported that financial allocation by the government influences the quality of health care services provided in the clinic 109 (70%)
Summary
The quality of health care services refers to a degree that health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.[1] The provision of quality health care services globally remains the most important shared responsibility and opportunity to improve the health of the people.[1] Professional nurses are the backbone of health care services. They are legally and morally liable to provide quality health care services.[2] the quality of health care services provided is determined by their ability to deliver and maintain standards which include reducing mortality, morbidity, ensuring availability, accessibility and affordability of health care.
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