Improving surgical care in rural South Africa: exploring collaboration between Indigenous and formal health sectors
Neha Sangana1,2, Ntombekhaya Tshabalala1,3,4, Nelisiwe Mkize1
1Centre for Global Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Introduction:
South Africans use both Indigenous and formal health care to address surgical conditions; however, these sectors are often siloed, leaving care for the individual disjointed. This study aimed to improve person-centered surgical care in rural South Africa by identifying community-prioritized surgical conditions and exploring Indigenous and formal healthcare stakeholder buy-in to collaborative solutions.
Methods:
This phenomenological qualitative study used focus group discussions and a multi-stakeholder workshop. Study participants included Indigenous knowledge healers, clinic and hospital staff, community members, and community health workers. Perceived barriers and facilitators to collaboration and solutions improving care within a dual health system were explored. Data were collected and analyzed using Rapid Research, Evaluation and Appraisal Lab sheets.
Results:
Three focus group discussions of different stakeholder groups were held with five to eight participants each (18 participants total). A total of 33 participants attended the multi-stakeholder workshop. All stakeholders agreed that Indigenous knowledge healers could play a role in improving surgical care. Collaborative solutions included bilateral referral systems and cross-sector education. Barriers included lack of communication and transparency between Indigenous and formal health sectors.
Conclusion:
Person-centered care includes acknowledging that many people in rural South Africa with surgical conditions will seek care in both the Indigenous and formal health sectors. Improving communication and referrals between the sectors may streamline care and improve health outcomes and community wellbeing.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...