The views of key stakeholders in Zimbabwe on the introduction of postgraduate family medicine training : a qualitative study
Date
2017-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
Background: Strengthening primary health care (PHC) is a priority for all effective health
systems, and family physicians are seen as a key member of the PHC team. Zimbabwe has
joined a number of African countries that are seriously considering the introduction of
postgraduate family medicine training. Implementation of training, however, has not yet
happened.
Aim: To explore the views of key stakeholders on the introduction of postgraduate family
medicine training.
Setting: Key academic, governmental and professional stakeholders in Zimbabwean health
and higher education systems.
Method: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected key
stakeholders. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the framework method.
Results: Anticipated benefits: More effective functioning of PHC and district health services
with reduced referrals, improved access to more comprehensive services and improved clinical
outcomes. Opportunities: International trend towards family medicine training, government
support, availability of a small group of local trainers, need to revise PHC policy. Anticipated
barriers: Family medicine is unattractive as a career choice because it is largely unknown to
newly qualified doctors and may not be recognised in private sector. There is concern that
advocacy is mainly coming from the private sector. Threats: Economic conditions, poor
remuneration, lack of funding for resources and new initiatives, resistance from other
specialists in private sector.
Conclusion: Stakeholders anticipated significant benefits from the introduction of family
medicine training and identified a number of opportunities that support this, but also
recognised the existence of major barriers and threats to successful implementation.
Description
CITATION: Sururu, C. & Mash, R. 2017. The views of key stakeholders in Zimbabwe on the introduction of postgraduate family medicine training: A qualitative study. African Journal of Primary Health care & Family Medicine, 9(1): a1469, doi:10.4102/phcfm.v9i1.1469.
The original publication is available at https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm
The original publication is available at https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm
Keywords
Primary health care -- Zimbabwe, Physicians
Citation
Sururu, C. & Mash, R. 2017. The views of key stakeholders in Zimbabwe on the introduction of postgraduate family medicine training: A qualitative study. African Journal of Primary Health care & Family Medicine, 9(1): a1469, doi:10.4102/phcfm.v9i1.1469.