The role of doctors in provision of support for primary health care clinics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Most primary health care (PHC) services in South Africa are provided by registered nurses working in clinics. Workload and scope of practice of these nurses have increased in recent years, exacerbated by widespread staff shortages. However, PHC nurses often receive little support and supervision, particularly in relation to clinical practice. Doctors working at district level are usually hospital based, but in many cases they do undertake clinic visits. These visits have the potential to improve quality of care, increase continuity and provide support for PHC nurses. In this study the visits undertaken by doctors to PHC clinics are described. The interactions between visiting doctors and PHC nurses are also explored, including perceptions and experiences of the current role and activities of visiting doctors, and ways in which this role could be developed.