Resilience in family physicians working in primary health care in the Cape Metropole
Date
2018-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: Despite the high prevalence of burnout among doctors, studies show that some doctors who choose to remain in primary health care (PHC) survive, even thrive despite stressful working conditions. The ability to be resilient may assist family physicians (FPs) to adapt successfully to the relatively new challenges they are faced with. This research seeks to explore resilience through reflection on the lived experiences of FPs who have been working in PHC. Aim: To explore the resilience of FPs working in PHC in the Cape Metropole. Setting: Conducted among FPs in PHC in the Cape Town Metropole, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study interviewed 13 purposefully selected FPs working in the public sector PHC in the Cape Metropole. Data was analysed using the framework method. Results: The mean Resilience Scale was moderate. Six key aspects of resilience were identified namely having a sense of purpose, a way of thinking, doing a little bit of everything, effective leadership skills, having a support network and attention to self-care. Conclusion: The aspects which contribute to FP resilience are multi-faceted. It entails having a sense of purpose, a way of thinking, doing a little bit of everything, effective leadership skills, having a support network and valuing self. Our exploration of resilience in FPs in the Cape Metropole corroborates previous studies done. To ensure physician wellness and improved patient outcomes, we recommend that individual and relational strategies be implemented in the absence of long term policy changes.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MFamMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2018.
Keywords
Physicians (General practice) -- City of Cape Town (South Africa), Family medicine -- City of Cape Town (South Africa), Primary health care -- City of Cape Town (South Africa), Resilience (Personality trait), UCTD