Clinical support to nursing community service practitioners in Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Introduction: The shortage of skilled health professionals in public health care facilities is the main reason why compulsory community service was started by the South African government. The change in the disease pattern over the past two decades coupled with the mass exodus of health care professionals to overseas countries resulted in severe staff shortages especially in rural areas. Nursing community service practitioners (NCSPs) lack experience in dealing with complex clinical problems especially at primary health care level. They need experienced health professionals to offer clinical support to them.

Aim of study: The aim of the study was to establish the degree of clinical support that is offered to NCSPs who are placed for compulsory community service within the Ugu district. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted using an exploratory­ descriptive design. Purposive sampling was utilized to select eight NCSPs from a regional hospital and a community health centre. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data was recorded verbatim for accurate analysis. Content analysis of data was employed where data was analyzed into meaningful themes.

Results: The study revealed gaps in the clinical support offered to NCSPs. Lack of clinical support was reported more in the hospital than at the community health centre.·organizational problems such as lack of orientation, absence of in-service education and lack of proper rotation to different departments were some of the main concerns that were reported.

Conclusion: Nursing community service practitioners need clinical support from experienced health professional to guide and teach them until they develop confidence.