Challenges experienced by primary health nurses in sustaining ideal clinic status post implementation in Ilembe District, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

This study aimed to explore and gain more insight into the challenges experienced by primary healthcare (PHC) nurses in maintaining ideal clinic status, where previously achieved. Qualitative, phenomenological research was conducted to gain a perspective on challenges experienced by nurses. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews from the study sample of 13 clinical nurse practitioners from two clinics in the sub-district of Kwa-Dukuza. The findings revealed a nonmaintenance or no improvement of Ideal Clinic (ideal clinic) status, with the current trend of working towards the ideal clinic assessment only at the time nearing the assessment, giving a false interpretation of the maintenance of the ideal clinic. This revealed several challenges experienced by PHC nurses, namely, the absence of vital resources, deficient emergency equipment and supplies, unsuitable infrastructure, substandard procurement processes and poor working conditions. Also, PHC clinics are far from fitting the description of an ideal clinic. Further investment is imperative in monitoring and evaluating the Ideal Clinic Realisation and Maintenance Programme (ICRM).