Systems thinking : a turning point for improving respectful obstetric care in South African health districts

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Authors

Oosthuizen, Sarie J.
Bergh, Anne-Marie
Pattinson, Robert Clive

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Health and Medical Publishing Group

Abstract

Poorly functioning health systems and local health systems barriers affect many women giving birth in low- and middle-income countries. The district clinical specialist teams in South Africa are uniquely positioned to provide facilitation and mentoring during interventions for improving the weak primary healthcare system. To ensure success, four key principles should be considered during scale-up of interventions: systems thinking and awareness of contexts and barriers; a focus on sustainability; harnessing factors known to enhance scalability; and respect for human rights and equity. Asking the right questions about the responsibilities of health systems at the micro-, meso- and macrolevels will benefit scale-up processes and sustain innovative pathways to high-quality obstetric care in communities.

Description

This publication is part of the PhD studies of the first author, SJO.

Keywords

District clinical specialist teams (DCSTs), Obstetric care, South African health districts, Systems thinking

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Oosthuizen, S.J., Bergh, A.M. & Pattinson, R.C. 2018, 'Systems thinking : a turning point for improving respectful obstetric care in South African health districts', South African Medical Journal, vol. 108, no. 11, pp. 910-914.