The role of community health workers in non-communicable disease in the Helderberg district
Date
2020-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Introduction: Community health workers (CHWs) have been part of primary health care (PHC) for many years and are integral to the Department of Health’s (DOH) strategy for the re-engineering of PHC. The DOH envision that the role of CHWs should be comprehensive, covering the breadth of health care issues and including health promotion and disease prevention interventions, treatment adherence support as well as rehabilitation and palliative care. However, their roles in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are less clear. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the current role of CHWs with regard to NCDs. Setting: The research was conducted at a non-governmental organisation, in the Helderberg sub-district of Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: The study design was a qualitative exploratory descriptive study that made use of non-participant observation and qualitative interviews with community health workers, non-governmental organisation manager and nurse coordinator, and the sub-district manager of community-based services at the DOH. Findings: CHWs displayed a strong sense of significance and pride in their work because they were embedded in the communities they served. Their role with regard to NCDs was potentially comprehensive, but limited by a lack of sufficient training, inadequate supportive supervision, poor inter-sectoral support from social services and a need for more clarity on their roles in rehabilitation and palliative care. Training might also have been limited by low educational backgrounds.
A number of opportunities and threats were identified such as poor remuneration and labour law issues, poor integration of community- and facility-based teams, the need for a more functional and electronic data collection system that was linked to the district health information system, and some deficiencies in terms of equipment and resources. Conclusion: CHWs have the foundation to provide a comprehensive approach to NCDs, but their work needs to be strengthened in many of the key areas to support their activities. In relation to NCDs, they need training in basic and brief behaviour change counselling and risk factors as well as in the areas of rehabilitation and palliative care.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MFamMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2020.
Keywords
Chronic diseases -- Treatment -- Helderberg (South Africa), Community health aides -- Helderberg (South Africa), Primary health care -- Helderberg (South Africa), South Africa. Department of Health, UCTD