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Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/12

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    Guidelines for disclosure of traditional medicine use to allopathic medicine practitioners by patients who use both traditional and allopathic medicines at selected hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa
    (2022-11) Gumede, Lindiwe; Nkosi, Pauline Busisiwe; Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula
    Background Within the South African context, the concurrent use of traditional medicine (TM) and allopathic medicine (AM) is often not disclosed to allopathic medicine practitioners (AMPs) during a consultation. It is quite common for patients to consult with traditional health practitioners (THPs) prior to reaching out to AMPs for further assistance. When compared to AM, TM used by patients who use both TM and AM has on many occasions been perceived as a sub-standard treatment option. Non-disclosure of TM use by patients who use both TM and AM may render the AM prescribed by the AMPs ineffective if not detected in a timely manner. While there is literature that identifies the reasons why patients who use both TM and AM do not disclose this to AMPs during a consultation, no guidelines have been developed to focus on facilitating disclosure by these patients. Aim The aim of the research was to explore and describe the perceptions of AMPs regarding disclosure of TM use to AMPs by patients who use both TM and AM and ultimately to develop guidelines for disclosure of TM use to AMPs at selected hospitals in Gauteng. Methodology An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative research design was employed. The opinions of AMPs who met the non-probability, purposive sampling inclusion criteria were explored and described. Data was gathered through one-on-one, masked semi-structured interviews and qualitative observations of AMPs in their natural environment. The findings were triangulated and integrated with Petronio's communication privacy management (CPM) theory as a theoretical framework informing the study to help delineate correspondence concerning the phenomenon. Findings The findings of the one-on-one, semi-structured interviews reveal that the practice of AMPs in Gauteng regarding the concurrent use of TM and AM by patients they consult with is limited by their knowledge of the TM used by these patients. Secondary elements of non-disclosure include stigma, AMP attitudes, AMP training, belief systems, lack of knowledge, lack of communication skills, scoffing at TM and prejudice. The research findings prompted the development of guidelines and recommendations for stakeholders involved in patient care and management in Gauteng.
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    Work related stressors that affect diagnostic and ultrasound radiographers in a public hospital in the Gauteng province
    (2017) Gumede, Lindiwe; Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula; Nkosi, Pauline Busisiwe
    Introduction Work related stressors are identified as the main reason for the decline in patient care in Radiography in public hospitals. Radiographers opt to leave the public sector because of stressful experiences. Research has shown that the scarcity of qualitative studies on the phenomenon makes it difficult to understand work related stress in relation to radiography as a profession. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to explore and describe work related stressors in Radiography at a public hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. Methodology This study was a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study. An interview guide was used to elicit information from 10 participants through semi-structured interviews. All the interviews were one-on-one and were audio-recorded. The data were analysed through Tesch’s eight steps of thematic analysis. Findings The following three themes emerged during data analysis, namely: personal well-being of Radiographers; decline in quality patient care and impaired radiography service; and, environmental enablers. The findings of the study revealed that the participants’ general health was compromised by various factors pertaining to work related stress. Conclusion Interventions necessary for dealing with work related stressors are highlighted as a way of enabling improvement of the working environment conditions. The participants in the study felt that hiring more staff could alleviate their work related stressors. The study has shown that it is also imperative that staff and management are constantly communicating well.