Browsing by Author "Mackenzie, Valenzia"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemHome-and community-based care services: identifying consumers and needs in a rural Western Cape Province setting(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12) Mackenzie, Valenzia; Visagie, Surona; Geiger, Martha; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: Person-centredness is an aim of the Home- and Community-Based Care service, where users’ needs always take priority. Identifying users and their needs is vital to quality services. Objectives: The dual aims of the study were to determine who the Home and Community Based Carers in the study setting view as the consumers of their services, and to identify the needs of these consumers. Method: An explorative, qualitative study was done. Home and Community-Based Carers (n=5), patients (n=9) and family caregivers (n=5) providing or using the Home- and Community-Based Care service in Caledon (Western Cape, South Africa) participated in the study. Convenient sampling was done. Data was collected through a focus group discussion with the carers and semi-structured interviews with the users and family caregivers. Thematic analysis of data was done. All relevant information related to the study was explained to the participants and informed consent was obtained. The anonymity and confidentiality of all participants was protected throughout the study. Findings: The Home- and Community-Based Carers viewed the community as the users of their service. The community refers to the residents of Caledon as any resident could benefit from the service. Family involvement, privacy and relationship-building are crucial to Home- and Community-Based Care service in Caledon. Themes from user interviews included: user experience of the service; impact of the service; services received; communication breakdown and suggestions for improvement. Users were mostly satisfied with the service and found it acceptable. Their needs were being met, but they expressed a need for further training and guidance related to the management of specific health conditions. Findings indicated challenges with referral to other levels of health care. Users had recommendations on how the service could improve, for example longer working hours, employing male caregivers, consistency of service delivery and increasing the stipend that the carers are currently earning. Conclusion: The Home- and Community-Based Carers provided a valuable service to the entire community of Caledon. The needs of the users were mostly met and most users had a positive experience of the service. The study identified gaps related to further education, interaction with family carers and referral to other services. Recommendations: Recommendations include: the development of a contact platform with clinic staff; education of Home- and Community-Based Carers on referral pathways and sources of support; developing or use of scope of practice guidelines; training on specific health conditions and practical suggestions that might improve working conditions.