Experiences of ward based community health care workers regarding the utilisation of patients screening tools in Fetakgomo-Tubatse sub- district, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: Screening of patients in the community is important and is a commonly used indicator to detect, prevent and treat abnormal changes. Two examples of these changes are elevated blood pressure or a rise in blood sugar which could develop into a disease. Ward Based Community Health Workers work in a community using different screening tools, such as a household screening tool, a non-communicable disease screening tool, and maternal and child screening tools. These are used to check whether the patients are taking their medications, as well as motivate patients to receive care. After screening patients in the community, the Ward Based Community Health Workers refer them to primary health care. Aim: To explore the experiences of Ward Based Community Health Workers when utilizing the patient’s screening tools. Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive phenomenological research design study was utilized in this study. These were used to explore and get an in-depth understanding of the experiences of WBCHW regarding patient screening tools. The study was conducted in three clinics in the Fetakgomo-Tubatse sub-district, Limpopo Province. About, twenty three trained Ward Based Community Health Workers were selected using non-probability purposive sampling methods. Three focus discussion groups with six participants in clinic one, five in clinic two and twelve in clinic three were conducted. Semi-structured interview questions were used to collect data from the trained Ward Based Community Health Workers. Data was analysed using Colaizzi phenomenological method. Trustworthiness was established using strategies that ensured dependability, credibility, transferability, and conformability. Results: Four themes and 16 sub-themes were identified from the study, which were: Positive experiences of WBCHW regarding the utilization of patient screening tools; Challenging experiences of WBCHW regarding the utilization of patient screening tools; Coping experiences of WBCHW regarding the utilization of patient screening tools; and Recommendations of WBCHW regarding the utilization of patient screening tools.