scholarly journals Are interpersonal communication skills adequately taught at postgraduate specialist level in South Africa? The neurology experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anand Moodley ◽  
Anton Van Aswegen ◽  
Liesl Smit
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Postgraduate Training ◽  
Death And Dying ◽  
Exit Exams ◽  
Undergraduate Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Information Giving

Background: Interpersonal communication skills by clinicians with patients, carers, fellow health professionals and legal professionals carry many unique challenges in practice. Whilst undergraduate training in communication helps with generic information receiving and information giving, uncomfortable and demanding speciality-specific issues in the various medical specialities are not covered during under- and postgraduate training.Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the self-perceived competence of neurology registrars and neurologists in interpersonal communication and the need for such assessment in college exit exams. We undertook a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey by using self-administered printed questionnaires and the EvaSYS online system. Neurology registrars in training from the seven training centres in South Africa and neurologists based at the training centres and in the private sector were recruited.Results: We received a 62.9% response rate. One hundred and twenty-nine participants were recruited comprising 42 neurology registrars and 87 neurologists. Registrars were more commonly female, more likely to be multilingual and less likely to use translators. Undergraduate training in communication was considered insufficient, 42.9% and 39.1% for registrars and specialists respectively, and was also considered not relevant to address speciality-specific issues encountered in practice. Most training received has been by observation of others and on-the-job training. Both groups felt strongly that postgraduate training in interpersonal communication was important (registrars 95.2%, specialists 91.9%), especially when dealing with issues of death and dying, disclosing medical errors and dealing with the legal profession.Conclusion: Postgraduate training of interpersonal communication as required of neurology registrars and neurologists was considered insufficient. Most training has been by observation of others or experiential by trial and error. Assessment of interpersonal communication at board exit exams will drive postgraduate training and importantly will embrace the AfriMEDS framework developed to produce the holistic doctor in South Africa.

scholarly journals Purchasing Over The Counter (OTC) Medicinal Products Containing Codeine - Easy Access, Advertising, Misuse and Perceptions of Medicinal Risk

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 286-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
John SG Wells ◽  
Michael Bergin ◽  
Marie-Claire Van Hout ◽  
Pádraig McGuinness ◽  
Jaco De Pleissisc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Medicinal Products ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Information Giving

Purpose. Codeine containing medicines can carry a number of health risks associated with the increase in reported misuse and dependence, however they are still readily available over the counter (OTC) in many countries. The aim of this novel study was to report on the results of a survey of customers purchasing OTC codeine containing medicinal products at pharmacies in Ireland, South Africa and England; exploring use, sources of knowledge and perception of risks. Methods. The study design was an exploratory cross sectional survey. It involved a customer self-administered questionnaire at the point of purchase (n=1230).  Relationships between categorical variables were analysed using Pearson chi-square for bivariate analysis. Continuous scale variables were analysed using one way analysis of variance. Results. In Ireland 6% stated they purchased codeine containing products weekly, in South Africa 13% and in England 16%. In Ireland and England women are more likely to view codeine containing products as harmful. In England older adults are more likely to perceive codeine containing products as harmful. A higher proportion of customers in South Africa opposed restricting codeine containing products to prescription only when compared with people in Ireland and England. Conclusions. Codeine containing products are widely purchased and used in all three jurisdictions. Whilst the majority of customers appear to have some awareness and knowledge of risks, it does not materially impact on their purchasing behaviour with a substantial minority purchasing/using such products on a weekly basis. This regularity of purchase whilst indicative of the popularity of such products, may also be a potential indicator of misuse. Future research is needed in relation to cultural and gendered differences and targeted information giving and harm reduction initiatives for safe usage of these medicinal products.

Proposal for Improving Records Management Practices of Traditional Institutions in Ga Molepo, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
10.25159/2054 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-67
Author(s):  
Mahlaga Johannes Molepo ◽  
Linda M. Cloete
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Local Municipalities ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Traditional Institutions

The way in which an institution treats its records is crucial for its survival in a rapidly changing society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the records management practices and challenges faced by traditional institutions of leadership and governance in Ga Molepo, Limpopo, South Africa. The researcher employed a cross-sectional survey in order to quantitatively examine the challenges faced by members of traditional councils. A researcher administered questionnaire was used as a data collection tool to study a stratified sample of 35 members from an estimated population of 350. The findings revealed patterns and trends of non-compliance with records management standards and guidelines. Although there were sporadic cases of record keeping, a greater number of respondents revealed that traditional institutions lack the facilities, equipment, education and trained/skilled personnel to apply correct records management procedures in their daily administration of their traditional communities. The main value of the study is to create awareness of records management as one of the neglected areas in traditional institutions – which are by current legislative arrangement, the closest form of leadership and governance for rural communities in light of their relationship with local municipalities and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

scholarly journals What's in the lunchbox? Dietary behaviour of learners from disadvantaged schools in the Western Cape, South Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1752-1758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulfa Abrahams ◽  
Anniza de Villiers ◽  
Nelia P Steyn ◽  
Jean Fourie ◽  
Lucinda Dalais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Standard Of Living ◽  
Dietary Behaviour ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and describe factors associated with food shop (known as tuck shop in South Africa) and lunchbox behaviours of primary-school learners in South Africa.DesignAnalysis of data collected in 2008 from a cross-sectional survey.SettingSixteen primary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa.SubjectsA total of 717 grade 4 learners aged 10–12 years.ResultsA 24 h recall established that 69 % of learners carried a lunchbox to school and 49 % had consumed at least one item purchased from the school food shop/vendor. Most lunchboxes contained white bread with processed meat, whereas the most frequent food shop/vendor purchase comprised chips/crisps. Learners who carried a lunchbox to school had significantly lower BMI percentiles (P = 0·002) and BMI-for-age (P = 0·034), compared with their counterparts. Moreover, they were younger, had higher standard-of-living and dietary diversity scores, consumed more meals per day, had greater self-efficacy and came from predominantly urban schools, compared with those who did not carry a lunchbox to school. Learners who ate food shop/vendor purchases had a lower standard-of-living score and higher dietary diversity and meal scores. Only 2 % of learners were underweight, whereas 19 % were stunted and 21 % were overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).ConclusionsChildren who carried a lunchbox to school appeared to have greater dietary diversity, consumed more regular meals, had a higher standard of living and greater nutritional self-efficacy compared with those who did not carry a lunchbox to school.

scholarly journals Commitment and the emigration intentions of South African professional nurses

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Bagraim
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Employee Commitment ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
Quantitative Design ◽  
The Relationship

The emigration of skilled nurses from South Africa exacerbates the crisis in the provision of public health services. A descriptive, quantitative design was applied to investigate the relationship between intention to emigrate and employee commitment. Over 400 registered nurses (N = 419), working within public sector tertiary hospitals in the Western Cape, responded to a cross-sectional survey questionnaire. Three foci of employee commitment (organisational, professional and national) were examined but only national commitment significantly helped predict intention to emigrate from South Africa in the regression model (beta = -0.0525, p < 0.0001). The implications of the results obtained in this study are discussed.Die emigrasie van verpleegkundiges uit Suid-Afrika vererger die krisis in die verskaffing van gesondheidsorgdienste in die land. ’n Beskrywende, kwantitatiewe ontwerp is gebruik om die verwantskap tussen werknemertoewyding en die voorneme om te emigreer te ondersoek. Meer as 400 verpleegsters (N = 419) wat in openbare tersiêre hospitale in die Wes-Kaap werk, het op die vraelys gereageer. Drie fokusareas van toewyding (organisatories, professioneel en nasionaal) is gemeet, maar net nasionale toewyding het daartoe bygedra om emigrasievoorneme te voorspel (beta = -0.0525, p < 0.0001). Die implikasies van hierdie resultate word bespreek.

scholarly journals From malaria control to elimination in South Africa: The researchers’ perspectives

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khumbulani W. Hlongwana ◽  
Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Malaria Episodes ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background: Global decline in malaria episodes over the past decade gave rise to a debate to target malaria elimination in eligible countries. However, investigation regarding researchers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitating factors to effective implementation of a malaria elimination policy in South Africa (SA) is lacking.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the malaria researchers’ knowledge, understandings, perceived roles, and their perspectives on the factors influencing implementation of a malaria elimination policy in SA.Setting: Participants were drawn from the researchers who fulfilled the eligibility criteria as per the protocol, and the criteria were not setting-specific.Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted through an emailed self-administered semi-structured questionnaire amongst malaria researchers who met the set selection criteria and signed informed consent.Results: Most (92.3%) participants knew about SA’s malaria elimination policy, but only 45.8% had fully read it. The majority held a strong view that SA’s 2018 elimination target was not realistic, citing that the policy had neither been properly adapted to the country’s operational setting nor sufficiently disseminated to all relevant healthcare workers. Key concerns raised were lack of new tools, resources, and capacity to fight malaria; poor cross-border collaborations; overreliance on partners to implement; poor community involvement; and poor surveillance.Conclusion: Malaria elimination is a noble idea, with sharp divisions. However, there is a general agreement that elimination requires: (a) strong cross-border initiatives; (b) deployment of adequate resources; (c) sustainable multistakeholder support and collaboration; (d) good surveillance systems; and (e) availability and use of all effective intervention tools.

scholarly journals Study of Working Experience in Remote Rural Areas after Medical Graduation

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-125
Author(s):  
KR Thapa ◽  
BK Shrestha ◽  
MD Bhattarai
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Postgraduate Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
A Priority

Background Posting of doctors in remote rural areas has always been a priority for Government; however data are scarce in the country about experience of doctors of working in remote areas after medical graduation.Objective A questionnaire survey of doctors was planned to analyze their experience of working after graduation in remote rural areas in various parts of the country.Method The cross-sectional survey was done by convenience sampling method. A one-page questionnaire with one partially closed-end and five open-end type questions was distributed to the doctors who had worked in remote rural areas after graduation under various governments’ postings.Result Two-third of participants had their home in urban areas and 89.8% had stayed for 1 to 5 years. About half of the participants had difficulty in getting the posting in the remote areas of their choice. Most participants indicated provision of opportunities for Residential (postgraduate) Training as their reasons of going to remote areas as well as their suggestions to encourage young graduates to go there. Similarly most also suggested appropriate career, salary and incentives to encourage doctors to go to work in remote areas. About 85% of participants pointed out the major problem faced while posted in remote areas as difficulty in handling varied situations with no guidance or seniors available around.Conclusion The notable points indicated by the participants are centered on the opportunity for Residential Training and difficulties faced without such training. Residential Training is a priority to be considered while planning the health policy for optimum health care of people.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(2) 2014: 121-125

scholarly journals Cost awareness of radiological studies among doctors at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanyisa N. Mrwetyana ◽  
Jacques Janse van Rensburg ◽  
Gina Joubert
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Academic Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Education Training ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cost Awareness ◽  
Radiological Studies

Background: South Africa has high healthcare expenses. Improving cost-consciousness could decrease government expenditure on healthcare.Objectives: To determine cost awareness of radiological studies among doctors at a tertiary hospital. The objective was met by assessing the accuracy of cost estimation according to the level of training and speciality, whether participants had received prior education/training related to cost awareness and if they had a desire to learn more about the cost of radiological imaging.Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six clinical departments at Universitas Academic Hospital using an anonymous questionnaire that determined doctors’ cost awareness of five radiological studies. Each radiological study was answered using six different cost ranges, with one correct option. Costs were based on the Department of Health’s 2019 Uniform Patients Fee Schedule (UPFS).Results: In total, 131 (67.2%) of 195 questionnaires distributed to registrars and consultants were returned. Overall, low accuracy of cost estimation was observed, with 45.2% of the participants choosing only incorrect options. No participant estimated all five costs correctly. Only the Internal Medicine clinicians demonstrated a significant difference between registrars and consultants for the number of correct answers (median 0 and 1, respectively) (p = 0.04). No significant differences were found between specialities stratified by registrars/consultants. Most participants (88.6%) would like to learn about imaging costs. Only 2.3% of the participants had received prior education/training related to cost awareness of radiological studies.Conclusion: Doctors were consistently inaccurate in estimating the cost of radiological studies. Educating doctors about the cost of radiological imaging could have a positive effect on healthcare expenditure.

scholarly journals Self-perceived employability among undergraduate students at a South African university

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doret Botha
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
The Self ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Employability ◽  
Managerial Implications

Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since 2008. The youth is regarded as the most at-risk group in the South African labour market and unemployment amongst the youth is considered one of the most critical socio-economic problems in South Africa. Increasing one’s employability is essential to securing employment and enhancing one’s well-being.Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university.Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on the self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students at higher education institutions in South Africa.Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative-based cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the students who were included in the survey. Data were collected through a web-based survey, using a standardised coded questionnaire that consisted of a five-point Likert-type scale.Main findings: The results indicated that the respondents were relatively confident about their internal employability, but they were less confident about their opportunities in the external labour market.Practical/managerial implications: Understanding one’s employability and the accompanied issues creates awareness of one’s potential, skills and knowledge to become a successful citizen and employee.Contribution/value-add: The study shed light on the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university and consequently contributes to the existing literature on employability in the South African context.

scholarly journals Perceived Knowledge of Scheme Members and Their Satisfaction with Their Medical Schemes: A Cross-Sectional Study in South Africa.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis M’bouaffou ◽  
Eric Buch ◽  
Evelyn Thsehla ◽  
Steve Olorunju
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Perceived Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Satisfaction ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background: South Africa has a dual healthcare system comprised of private and public sectors covering 16% and 84% of the population, respectively. Medical schemes are the primary source of health insurance in the private sector. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived knowledge and satisfaction of open medical schemes members. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a stratified systematic sample of members from 22 open medical schemes. Nine hundred and sixty members were requested to complete an online semi-structured questionnaire to determine their perceived knowledge and satisfaction with their schemes. We tested to see if variables such as age, gender, years of membership, education, income or having a chronic disease were associated with better-perceived knowledge or satisfaction. We calculated a composite perceived knowledge and satisfaction score, for which a score above 60th percentile for perceived knowledge and 60th for perceived satisfaction were considered good perceived knowledge and good perceived satisfaction with their schemes.Results: Respondents, generally perceived themselves to have good knowledge and were satisfied with their schemes except for accessibility to doctors under the designated service providers arrangement. Overall, members were satisfied, especially with the quality of service from their designated service providers (DSPs) and their schemes. However, only 9% were satisfied with accessibility to doctors under their DSP arrangement, 25% were satisfied with the cost of scheme membership and only 46% were satisfied with the prescribed minimum benefit package. The test for association showed that years of medical schemes membership, perceived knowledge of the prescribed minimum benefits, better income and laying a complaint were associated with better-perceived knowledge. Conclusion: Medical schemes remain a key element of private healthcare in South Africa. The analysis shows that medical schemes, should put more effort into the accessibility of general practitioner under their designated service providers. Furthermore, the PMBS should be reviewed to provide a comprehensive benefits basket without co-payment for members as recommended by the Medical Schemes Act Amendment Bill of 2018.

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