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Perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on healthcare services in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Mantwa Portia Radebe,
  • Mahlatse Lucky Moropeng,
  • Sean Mark Patrick
Mantwa Portia Radebe
University of Pretoria School of Health Systems and Public Health
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Mahlatse Lucky Moropeng
University of Pretoria School of Health Systems and Public Health

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Sean Mark Patrick
University of Pretoria School of Health Systems and Public Health
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Abstract

Background: Although there are several health facilities with infrastructure to cater to healthcare services, there are still healthcare facilities with inadequate infrastructure in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa to provide comprehensive healthcare services. This study investigated the perceptions of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on the provision of healthcare services in this province. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the perception of healthcare workers and patients about the impact of health facility infrastructure on healthcare services at Goodwins Clinic in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Method: This qualitative study applied phenomenological design by conducting an individual in-depth interview with patients (n= 20) and healthcare workers (n= 10) purposively selected in 2022. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis framework. Results: Participants reported that health facility infrastructure affects healthcare services. Furthermore, old facility structures, scattered structures, and limited working spaces were found to be the leading factors affecting healthcare services in the facility. Conclusion: The facility’s structural design factors need to be considered to ensure that the health facility structure is adequate to deliver healthcare services and motivate radical transformation to take place in measuring and managing healthcare facilities. Contribution: The results will assist in improving health facility structure and healthcare services, help health facilities prepare for National Health Insurance and easily reach SDG 3, motivate future research, and provide information that will assist in implementing programs to reduce poor healthcare services. Highlights: Patients and healthcare workers perception was investigated whereby their views stipulated that health facility infrastructure affects healthcare services. Poor infrastructure was noted as well and inappropriate healthcare services.