Research Publications (Health Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/216

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Factors that influence the high staff turnover of the millennial generation of medical technologists in a private pathology laboratory setting
(2024) Pillay, Michelle; Mbatha, Joyce Nonhlanhla; Orton, Penelope Margaret
Introduction This study was motivated by the fact that Lancet Laboratories has recorded a high staff turnover of millennial medical technologists in recent years. It is crucial to retain suitably trained and competent medical technologists to provide quality patient care, and lower recruitment and training of new employees. It has been estimated that by the year 2025, millennials will comprise 75% of the workforce hence emphasis should be placed on millennial retention for organisations to remain profitable and reduce further operating expenses (Hamilton 2020). Aim The aim of this study was to investigate factors of job satisfaction which have an influence on high employee turnover of millennial medical technologists, with the objective of recommending a solution in the form of retention strategies. The objectives of the study were: 1. To investigate the factors of the high staff turnover rate of millennial medical technologists. 2. To determine the job satisfaction needs and expectations of medical technologists belonging to the millennial generation. 3. To formulate and recommend retention strategies based on the study finding which will be made available to Lancet Laboratories Human Resources Department to implement and review. Methodology An exploratory descriptive qualitative approach was used for this study because of the desire to understand millennial employee experience which have led to turnover or retention and to explore the high turnover of millennials from the millennials’ perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by the researcher to gather information from the participants. This study’s population was limited to HPCSA registered medical technologists between the ages of 19-39 years (millennial generation), currently or previously employed at Lancet Laboratories in KwaZulu Natal. Content was analysed using Nvivo 11 qualitative analysis software. Findings The overall findings of this study supported the motivation and hygiene constructs of Herzberg’s (1964) two factor theory. The motivation factors derived from this study included career advancement, significant work contribution, opportunities for growth, positions of responsibility, job recognition, and positive achievements in the workplace. The hygiene factors derived from this study included poor interpersonal relationships, low salary, inappropriate company policies, inept supervision, and undesirable working conditions. Conclusion This research study revealed the factors influencing millennial medical technologist turnover and job satisfaction, and recommended possible retention strategies. Additionally, the findings may benefit organisations and managers in understanding the needs and expectations of the millennial generation in an effort to improve job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and increase retention in the workplace
A study on the management of menopausal syndrome by registered homeopathic practitioners in Ethekwini municipality
(2021-05-27) Thusi, Nondumiso Charity; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree
INTRODUCTION Menopause is the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle due to loss of ovarian follicular activity. Changes occur gradually over the years during a transitory phase known as the perimenopause or the climacteric phase which may take place around about the age of 45 to 55 years. This phase is associated with the reduction of oestrogen levels, which then gives rise to menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, moodiness, sleep disturbance and sweating, weight gain, fatigue and low libido. The most commonly used type of treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT has been shown to alleviate menopausal symptoms for many, although with adverse effects and health risks. The severity of symptoms diminishes the quality of life but the risks and side effects of HRT are such that many women look for alternative and gentler medical help. AIM The aim of the study was to explore and describe regimens utilised by registered homoeopathic practitioners in eThekwini in the management of menopausal syndrome. The study was guided by the following grand tour question: How would you describe your approach to patients presenting with menopausal syndrome? METHODOLOGY A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study design was utilised. Qualitative research is employed in the healthcare field to investigate how people think of their experiences and knowledge and to further explore their perspectives on the care and treatment they offer for managing menopausal symptoms within the healthcare system (Holloway and Wheeler 2010). Twelve respondents were selected using snowball sampling. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were utilised as guidance to the selection process. Respondents were interviewed individually using an interview guide. Each of the interviews were audio recorded and transcribed prior to data analysis. Data was analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure and Creswell’s data analysis. RESULTS Results from this study indicate that even though the majority of respondents did not use homoeopathy alone as their first line approach, they were satisfied with the results obtained from their individualistic prescriptions for each of their individual patients. The thematic analysis further revealed that respondents were critical of other forms of medical approach to managing menopausal syndrome and were very enthusiastic and hopeful regarding homoeopathic treatment. CONCLUSION The principal themes arising from the data collected for this study strongly suggested that homoeopathic medicine as well as its practice to manage menopausal symptoms is widely accepted and is beneficial for patients as assessed by the participating homoeopaths. It appeared that participants had trust in their knowledge and skills and were enthusiastic and confident regarding their impact on their patient’s lives as homoeopaths. With regards to these findings, the researcher strongly recommends the need for the integration of homoeopathic practice and conventional medicine into the South African primary healthcare system. This is because the integration of homoeopathic medicine as a primary health care provider will help to offer an alternate and safe platform to ease the overwhelming load of health complaints on conventional medical practices.