Role of governance in infection prevention and control policy and strategy implementation in the public health sector in South Africa
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Date
2018
Authors
Binyane, Moleboheng Emily
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Reports have shown that the challenges of policy implementation in South Africa (SA) are the
main weakness of the health system. National and provincial guidelines for infection control (IC)
have been adapted for the implementation of IC practices in SA. However, research has
revealed poor infection prevention and control (IPC) in public healthcare in SA.
There is no evidence to what extent the IPC guidelines have been implemented and whether
governance has played a role in the implementation of the National Infection Prevention and
Control Policy and Strategy (NIPCPS; 2007). The aim of the study was therefore to explore how
governance plays a role in the implementation of NIPCPS in SA’s public healthcare sector.
The study employed a qualitative research approach as the focus was on documenting the
shortages of antimicrobial drugs, space and equipment, as well as the maltreatment of patients
with infectious diseases by healthcare workers in SA, and the impact of this on IPC. Data was
collected through the internet and relevant newspaper articles were used for the study. The study
findings were presented using the thematic approach and inductive and deductive approaches
were integrated to form a coherent narrative. Deductive analysis involved the application of a
framework for assessing governance of the health system by Siddiqi et al. (2009).
The findings of case study analysis and framework application revealed shortages of
antimicrobial drugs, space and equipment, as well as the maltreatment of patients by HCWs in
public healthcare in SA several years post the launch of NIPCPS. Shortages of antimicrobial
drugs and the maltreatment of patients by HCWs are due to the lack of accountability by DoH.
HCWs in SA still lack training in IPC, they have poor job descriptions, and their participation in
policymaking and implementation is inadequate. Other healthcare facilities in SA still lack
institutional IPC guidelines.
Shortages of antimicrobial drugs, space and equipment, and the maltreatment of patients by
HCWs have a negative impact on IPC. The state of affairs exposes patients to infectious
diseases, puts them at risk of developing drug resistance and may lead to nosocomial infections
outbreaks. It also exposes HCWs to infectious diseases, hampers their jobs by delaying
important medical procedures and subjects them to medical errors and wrong prescriptions.
Further studies are warranted to explore the topic of research.
Description
Keywords
Governance, Antimicrobials, Equipment, Space, Healthcare, Public, SA, IPC, NIPCPS, Nosocomial infections, Dissertation (M.D. (Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2018