The Effect of Primary Health Care Learning Programme in Health Care Service Delivery: Case Study of Ehlanzeni Health District in Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

This research was aimed mainly at determining the significance of the primary health care learning programme in health care service delivery, focusing mainly in the Ehlanzeni Health district of Mpumalanga Province. The focus was on how professional nurses trained in the Primary Health Care programme confidently apply the skills and expertise to the benefit of clients in community health facilities. A quantitative study was conducted at the local clinics of Ehlanzeni Health District. Probability Sampling Technique was used to select 30 Primary Health Care Professional nurses. A questionnaire survey comprising closed ended questions was used to collect data. The data was coded in the computer, analysed in Statistical Analysis software (SAS) packages and summarised using frequency tables. The researcher discovered the value of the training programme as a functional difference in the scope of practise between the Primary Health Care trained and non-trained professional nurses. The interviews distinguished trained professional nurses from general nurses and those specialised in Midwifery and mental health. This clearly indicated that the PHC trained Nurses are capable to render comprehensive health care services in their facilities without causing burden to the referral system. As a result the study strongly recommended that all professional Nurses in Primary health care facilities should be trained in the learning programme in order to strengthen the primary health care system.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n6p207