The work-related experiences of psychologists in public health facilities in Botswana

Abstract

The current study explored the work-related experiences of psychologists in public health facilities in Botswana. This topic has received minimal research attention, yet the World Health Organization has recognised the importance of treating mental health conditions. There is also recognition that there is a shortage of mental health practitioners, especially psychologists, in low to middle income countries such as Botswana. For this reason, the World Health Organisation has developed an initiative amongst its member states to increase access to mental health services by integrating them into the general health system. This is where psychologists in public health facilities are employed. In order to investigate how psychologists in public health facilities experience this integration, an explorative design was followed which adopted a qualitative methodology for data collection and analysis. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical psychologists who were recruited through purposive sampling. The data were analysed through thematic analysis. Generally, the participants experienced their work in the public health facilities as a professionally enhancing experience in spite of the various challenges encountered. They described a wide range of supportive and therapeutic functions that served the institutions and society in general. It is hoped that the results of this study can inform policies on mental health and add some valuable insight for further investigation of this topic.