Perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health
facility infrastructure on healthcare services in eThekwini
Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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 investigated the
perceptions of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of
health facility infrastructure on the provision of healthcare services
in this province. Objectives: This study aimed 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 phenomenological design by conducting an
individual in-depth interview with 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 to take
place in measuring and managing healthcare facilities.
Contribution: The results will assist in improving health
facility structure and healthcare services, help health facilities
prepare for National Health Insurance and easily reach SDG 3, motivate
future research, and provide information that will assist in
implementing programs to reduce poor healthcare services.
Highlights: Patients and healthcare workers perception was
investigated whereby their views stipulated that health facility
infrastructure affects healthcare services. Poor infrastructure was
noted as well and inappropriate healthcare services.