The exceptional potential in extending primary care exposure for South African medical interns.

No abstract available.

Using ChatGPT in family medicine and primary health care.

No abstarct available.

Brain drain in South Africa is affecting health care.

No abstract available.

Myriad untold stories unfolding daily: South Africa's pursuit of quality primary health care.

No abstract available.

Umbilical vein catheterisation for the family physician working in primary health care.

This is part of a series of articles on vascular access in emergencies. The other two articles were on intra osseous lines and central venous lines. These are critical lifesaving emergency skills for the primary care professional. In this article, we will provide an overview of umbilical vein catheterisation highlighting its importance, the indications, contraindications, techniques, complications and nursing considerations. By familiarising healthcare providers with this procedure, we hope to enhance their knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to improved outcomes in the neonatal population.

Community health workers: essential in ensuring primary health care for equitable universal health coverage, but more knowledge and action is needed.

Community health workers (CHWs) have helped improve access to quality primary health care (PHC). However, knowledge gaps exist in designing and implementing CHW-engaged models needed to ensure quality people-centered PHC. In this collection, we call for papers which bridge this knowledge gap, to build sustainable, resilient and equitable CHW programs.

Central venous pressure line insertion for the primary health care physician.

Central venous access is an important procedure to understand and perform not only in the emergency unit but also for prolonged reliable venous access. All clinicians must be familiar and confident with this procedure. This paper will focus on applied anatomy in respect of common anatomical sites for venous access, the indications, the contraindications, the technique and complications that may arise following the procedure. This article is part of a series on vascular access. We have previously written on the intra osseous procedure and an article on umbilical vein catheterisation will follow.

Integration of traditional medicine into the mental healthcare system in Tshwane, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Mental healthcare providers have a negative attitude towards the integration of traditional health medicine (THM) into the mental health system. The attitude is based on their lack of trust in traditional practices, which are not supported by substantial evidence-based medical research. The study was conducted to determine mental healthcare providers views on the integration of traditional health medicine into the mental healthcare system. METHODS: The study was conducted at a psychiatric hospital in the Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was conducted on 85 respondents who consented to participate. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire from 23 psychiatrists and 62 psychiatric nurses. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of graphs, frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: Mental healthcare providers displayed a negative attitude towards integrating THM in psychiatric hospitals. The results showed no significant difference between psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses in their preference for modern mental healthcare practices (p = 0.25). CONCLUSION: There is still doubt among the mental healthcare providers on whether to support integration of the THM into mental health system or not. The doubt is based on the two-health system isolated from each other especially in South Africa.Contribution: This study contributed by showing the need and importance of understanding a patients' cultural background, which supports the integration of a traditional health system into the mental healthcare system, which in turn will lead to the appropriate management of mental illnesses.

Level of patient safety culture among public healthcare professionals in Pretoria.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety culture (PSC) norms set within an organisation prevent harm during medical care. This study assessed the level of PSC among public healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Pretoria, South Africa. METHODS: A multi-centre cross-sectional study conducted in three hospitals and 25 clinics in regions 1 and 2 of Pretoria, using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Using the Raosoft online sample size formula, from 1238 public HCPs identified, the sample size was calculated at 294; this expanded to 319 as a result of respondents' willingness to participate in the study. RESULTS: Of the 319 respondents with a mean age of 39.9 years, the minimum and maximum ages were 22 and 66 years, respectively. The age group of 30-39 years had the highest participation rate (17.6%). Most respondents (41.1%) came from the Odi district hospital and there were more women (78.1%) and nurses (49.2%). Positive attitudes were found for all PSC components, with staff education and training scoring highest (98.7%). Patient safety culture received a satisfactory rating from HCPs from the targeted facilities. CONCLUSION: This study showed that public HCPs in Pretoria's regions 1 and 2 have a good PSC, particularly among nurses, professionals with more experience, and at primary care level.Contribution: To maintain or increase awareness of this concept among HCPs, the study advocates a PSC programme as well as ongoing education that can be supported by district and facility managers.

Gender-based violence - An increasing epidemic in South Africa.

No abstract available.

Intraosseous line insertion for the primary health care physician.

Early rapid access to the vascular system is essential in emergencies and is lifesaving. In this article, we will provide information on the common sites used, the equipment that is required, the indications and contraindications for intraosseous line insertion, how to correctly and safely do the procedure, medication that can be administered, post insertion line management and possible complications. This is a lifesaving procedure and primary healthcare physicians should acquire this skill.

The role of family medicine and primary health care and its impact on the climate crisis.

No abstract available.

After action review of the COVID-19 pandemic response in North West province, South Africa

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with major disruptions globally. Northwest Province Department of Health (NWDoH) in South Africa set up comprehensive epidemiological emergency response plans for preventing, finding, containing and stopping the spread of COVID-19 in accordance with the National Disaster Management Act. Objectives: This After-Action Report (AAR) describes the provincial response to the pandemic from September 2020 to October 2022. Method: The AAR was conducted using the World Health Organization AAR methodology. Focus groups discussed five items: coordination, leadership and governance; epidemiology, surveillance and laboratory; case management and continuity of essential services; risk communication and community engagement and COVID-19 vaccination. Results: The timely establishment and activation of provincial intergovernmental and intersectoral coordinating structures led to effective coordination, resource mobilisation, leadership, decision-making and intervention. The effective communication in the department and other stakeholders resulted in improved surveillance data quality, timelier response and increased ownership of data. Dissemination, training and implementation of case management protocols ensured standardised case management. The multi-channel information dissemination targeting different audiences empowered people with real-time knowledge on the infection and encouraged health-seeking behaviours. Conclusion: The AAR demonstrated the importance of coordinated epidemiological, laboratory and communication response that requires significant public health reserve capacity in peacetime for rapid expansion in an emergency. Contribution: This review contributes to the body of knowledge emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and provides guidance on enhanced public health response to future emergencies.

After action review of the COVID-19 pandemic response in North West province, South Africa.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with major disruptions globally. Northwest Province Department of Health (NWDoH) in South Africa set up comprehensive epidemiological emergency response plans for preventing, finding, containing and stopping the spread of COVID-19 in accordance with the National Disaster Management Act. Objectives: This After-Action Report (AAR) describes the provincial response to the pandemic from September 2020 to October 2022. Method: The AAR was conducted using the World Health Organization AAR methodology. Focus groups discussed five items: coordination, leadership and governance; epidemiology, surveillance and laboratory; case management and continuity of essential services; risk communication and community engagement and COVID-19 vaccination. Results: The timely establishment and activation of provincial intergovernmental and intersectoral coordinating structures led to effective coordination, resource mobilisation, leadership, decision-making and intervention. The effective communication in the department and other stakeholders resulted in improved surveillance data quality, timelier response and increased ownership of data. Dissemination, training and implementation of case management protocols ensured standardised case management. The multi-channel information dissemination targeting different audiences empowered people with real-time knowledge on the infection and encouraged health-seeking behaviours. Conclusion: The AAR demonstrated the importance of coordinated epidemiological, laboratory and communication response that requires significant public health reserve capacity in peacetime for rapid expansion in an emergency. Contribution: This review contributes to the body of knowledge emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and provides guidance on enhanced public health response to future emergencies.

Guiding the emerging primary care researcher: A report of research capacity-building workshop.

There is an escalating interest in research capacity building across the globe. Research is an integral part of the continuous improvement process, clinical decision making and health system strengthening and should be embedded into the health system. The South African Family Practice Journal editorial team held a workshop on 19 August 2022 at the 24th National Family Practitioners Congress in Cape Town, with the aim of supporting primary care clinicians in their development from early-career researchers to established clinician-scientists. Small group and plenary discussions yielded valuable insights into the lived experiences of early career researchers and highlighted critical action areas to build the landscape of clinician-led research in the South African context.Contribution: This article contributes to current literature by providing insight into the lived experiences of early-career researchers and explores opportunities for research capacity-building.

Awareness of health risks associated with smokeless tobacco use among users in Pretoria.

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco (ST) refers to all tobacco-containing products that are not smoked but rather consumed through other means. Contrary to the popular belief that ST products are safe, the use of such products exposes users to health risks. To assess the awareness of health risks associated with ST use among users in a Pretoria community, the study was conducted in Ramotse community, located in Tshwane region 2, Gauteng, South Africa. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional design, using a piloted, structured and self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 479 participants with a mean age of 43 years (ranging from 18 to 89 years), most were in the age group 30-39 years (148; 31.6%), followed by ≥ 50 years (138; 29.4%). There were more females (371; 77.5%), more unemployed (263; 54.9%), married (236; 49.7%), had reached the secondary level of education (270; 56.4%), did not have any chronic illness (274; 57.2%), used snuff by nose (338; 70.6%), and were unaware of health risks associated with ST use (452; 94.4%). CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated a poor awareness of health risks associated with ST use among the users in a Pretoria community. As a result, health education at various levels of the community (clinic, schools, ward-based outreach team or WBOT, etc.) could be one strategy for resolving the problem.

Reasons given by women for discontinuing the use of progestogen implants at Koster Hospital, North West province.

BACKGROUND: In 2014, the South African National Department of Health introduced a new addition to the long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) options available in the country. This was a single rod subdermal progestogen implant (Implanon®NXT) which provided 3 years of effective contraception cover. However, the new contraceptive device uptake and general acceptance amongst women quickly diminished, with a slew of requests for its removal. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons given by women for discontinuing the use of their progestogen implants at Koster Hospital, North West province, South Africa. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews. Thirteen women were purposively selected and interviewed at Koster Hospital Family Planning Unit. The transcriptions of the audio-taped interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS: The following themes emerged from the interviews as reasons the women discontinued their progestogen implants: side effects such as menstrual problems, arm discomfort and weight gain. Other themes were family or social factors and the desire to conceive. CONCLUSION: The reasons for discontinuation of Implanon by women at Koster Hospital were the undesirable side effects they experienced whilst using the contraceptive device. These side effects were mainly menstrual problems, arm discomfort and weight gain. Family and other social dynamics also influenced some of the participants' decision to discontinue their contraceptive implants.

Failed tracheal intubation in primary health care.

Tracheal intubation in primary health care is a necessary skill and usually one that is necessary for appropriate emergency management of unstable patients. Primary care practitioners may not have an anaesthetist or critical care doctor available to help them in these emergencies and must manage these patients themselves. Often tracheal intubation may fail because of multiple possible factors and a different course of action may be needed to minimise the potential for harm to the patient. The primary care professional or family physician will have to manage this failed intubation. Primary health care facilities providing obstetric services must have guidelines and appropriate equipment for management of airway problems. This article will explore reasons for the failure of tracheal intubation and how this can be managed.

Knowledge of final year undergraduate nursing students about HIV and AIDS in Eswatini.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are overwhelming health issues globally. They have caused many devastating and draining health issues, which have escalated a critical need for a well-trained and sustainable healthcare workforce in order to meet the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Health science students are the future healthcare providers who will implement proper preventive measures, as well as health educational and promotional sessions to promote information and knowledge among the public regarding HIV and AIDS in Eswatini. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 final-year undergraduate nursing students in three nursing universities in Eswatini. A questionnaire adapted from Othman and Ali in Malaysia with closed-ended questions was modified and used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of questions on the virus structure, transmission, prevention and management of HIV and AIDS. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was utilised to analyse the data. RESULTS: The level of knowledge about HIV and AIDS was high, as evidenced by a mean score and standard deviation of (91.02 ± 5.00). However, there were low scores on questions related to the transmission of the disease. CONCLUSION: Across all three universities in Eswatini, there were good nursing education programmes on HIV and AIDS, evidenced by the high knowledge level about HIV and AIDS. However, there are still some knowledge gaps on HIV and AIDS transmission and management that need to be attended to.Contribution: This study contributed by providing knowledge of undergraduate nursing students' HIV and AIDS training and management of PLWHA.

Early removal of etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant at a community health centre in Pretoria.

BACKGROUND: The etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant offers efficacy for three years, but some women remove it earlier than prescribed. This study discusses factors associated with the early removal of these implants at a Pretoria community health centre between 01 January 2020 to 30 June 2020. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a piloted and researcher assistant-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 124 participants who removed their etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant earlier than prescribed, most were single, unemployed, in the age group 30-39 years, Christian, with secondary level education and with parity one or more. Etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant pre-insertion counselling was given to all participants, most of whom had not previously used contraceptives. Those participants with previous contraceptive use had used injectables. Long-term contraception was the main reason for getting the etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant. Most participants did not attend post-insertion counselling. Heavy bleeding was the most common side effect and reason for early removal. Fifty-one participants kept the etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant in for a longer period of 12-23 months. From participants' responses, it seems that Etonogestrel implants may be offered from as early as 15-20 years of age. CONCLUSION: Women having etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implants removed early at a Pretoria community health centre tended to be young, single, unemployed, Christian, with a secondary level education and with parity one or more. All participants attended the etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant pre-insertion counselling services but not the post-counselling services. Heavy bleeding was the main reason for the early removal of the etonogestrel subcutaneous contraceptive implant.