Self-Management Strategies to Curb the Development of NCDs in Rural Communities

Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in both Low- and Middle-Income countries is viewed as problematic and could lead to side effects when poorly managed. Therefore, serious intervention whereby People Living With the NCDs (PLWNCDs) could take a lead in controlling the side effects and managing the diseases themselves so that they maintain the QoL. To review and discuss literature related to self-management strategies to curb the development of NCDs in rural communities. Comprehensive Literature Review was used to collect data by reviewing literature related to self-management strategies to curb the development of NCDs in rural communities. The results of literature review showed that Self-management of NCDs is viewed as the only way to improve health outcomes and maintain QoL, by employing relevant strategies which will assist in achieving healthier life despite the situations at rural communities. Western World health systems have NCDs management centres at the community level to empower patients with knowledge for improving their QoL, whilst such centres do not exist in the Low-and Middle- Income countries poor communities. The PLWNCDs and residing at rural communities in Low- and Middle- Income countries can benefit from NCDs self-management strategies, despite the poor conditions

The paradoxical effects of being a cost centre manager at a public hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of being a cost centre manager at a public hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual research design was used. Purposive sampling was used to include 9 cost centre managers who participated in a focus group interview until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed qualitatively using Tesch’s open coding method. The findings revealed that there are paradoxical experiences about being a cost centre manager creating “suffering” on multiple levels and there is an empowering potential of being a cost centre manager resulting in personal and professional growth (values). It was recommended that an effective transparent procurement system should be implemented and all stakeholders involved should be informed about the process. Top management should promote healthy interpersonal relationships by providing managerial support and resources for the Cost Centre Managers (CCMs) to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.Department of HE and Training approved lis

Context-specific components of a training programme for cost centre managers in a public hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa

The purpose of the study was to determine the context-specific components of a training programme for cost centre managers in a public hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual research design was used. Homogenous purposive sampling was conducted from a population of 36 nurse managers appointed as cost centre managers. One focus group discussion comprising nine cost centre managers and twelve cost centre managers participated in unstructured one-on-one interviews until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed qualitatively using Teschs’ open coding method. The findings revealed that there is a need for context-specific training programme which is relevant to the public hospital and the content for the programme must address the needs of cost centre managers. It was recommended that the programme should indicate the nature of activities that would be included in the new programme and the development should be based on a needs assessment of the people who were going to be trained. A needs assessment is important before decisions are taken about the type of activities and their instructional arrangements to be included in the programme.Department of HE and Training approved lis

Experiences related to the role of a cost centre manager in a public hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa

A cost centre in a hospital setting is an identifiable department, for example a nursing care unit, which has been practically assigned an account number in the hospital accounting system. The purpose of a cost centre is to control clinical and administrative costs, as well as accumulated expenses by that identified department. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual research design was used for this study. Homogenous purposive sampling was conducted from a population of 36 nurse managers appointed as cost centre managers. One focus group discussion comprising nine cost centre managers and 12 cost centre managers participated in unstructured one-on-one interviews until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed qualitatively using Teschs’ open coding method. The findings revealed there are dominant stories of perceived constraints related to the role of a cost centre manager resulting in personal and professional suffering and a need for a decentralised cost centre management for enhancement of cost centre managers' knowledge and skills. It was recommended that a training programme for cost centre managers be conducted as a process/procedure during which information will be disseminated about cost centre management including problem solving in the team, business plan, business cost planning and overall accountability of people involved. The goal of the training programme should be to clarify roles and values, create a safe environment for cost centre managers and build trusting relationships among all role players.Department of HE and Training approved lis

The Importance of Health Literacy Related to Medications Instructions to Promote Adherence in People Living with Cardiovascular Diseases at Rural Settings

Health literacy related to prescribed medications instructions is the ability to read, understand and carry out medication instructions as directed. Being generally literate does not automatically make one to be health literate. In most cases, a person’s health literacy is overlooked based on their good general literacy. A convergent parallel mixed method design was used to explore and describe the practices of diabetes mellitus patients regarding prescribed medications instructions. The results showed failure to interpret medications instructions which leads to non-adherence unaware. On the other hand, non-adherence led to complications. Enhancing health literacy includes explanation of the medication instructions in details including the exact times for medication consumption. This could be achieved through peer teaching, health talks with patients and workshops

Family-Centered Diabetes Care for Better Glycemic Outcomes of Outpatients in Rural Areas

Most of diabetes care of outpatients takes place at their families. Family members who may have inadequate or lack diabetes knowledge are expected to offer home care, predisposing patients to poor outcomes and associated health problems. To review and discuss literature related to family-centered diabetes care. Comprehensive Literature Review was used to collect data by reviewing literature related to family centered diabetes care. Literature review involved evaluating discoveries of other researchers. The results of literature review showed that family-centered care is essential for better diabetes outcomes and preventing new cases. So far, family-centered care was successful in children’s diabetes care and may be beneficial for older outpatients. Family-centered diabetes care improves knowledge of both patients and families, minimize prevalence and improve diabetes outcomes of outpatients

Challenges faced by professional nurses when implementing the Expanded Programme on Immunisation at rural clinics in Capricorn District, Limpopo

Background: Immunisation is the cornerstone of primary healthcare. Apart from the provision of safe water, immunisation remains the most cost-effective public health intervention currently available. Immunisation prevents infectious conditions that are debilitating, fatal and have the potential to cause huge public health burdens, both financially and socially, in South Africa. Aim: To determine the challenges faced by professional nurses when implementing the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at rural clinics in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Setting: The study was conducted in selected primary healthcare clinics of Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. Methods: A qualitative explorative descriptive contextual research design was used to gather data related to the challenges faced by professional nurses when implementing EPI at rural clinics in Capricorn District. Results: The findings revealed that professional nurses had knowledge of the programme, but that they experienced several challenges during implementation of EPI that included staff shortages and problems related to maintenance of the vaccines’ potency. Conclusions: The Department of Health as well as the nursing administration should monitor policies and guidelines, and especially maintenance of a cold chain for vaccines, to ensure that they are practised throughout Limpopo Province. The problem of staff shortages also needs to be addressed so that the EPI can achieve its targeted objectives. Keywords: Professional nurse, knowledge, EPI-SA, immunisatio

Baseline Analysis for Effective Diabetes Intervention

Diabetes is a fast-growing disease that is costly to manage, leading to both financial and non-financial burdens. These burdens are worsened in the presence of diabetes complications, so improved interventions are critical. Prior to developing new interventions, a baseline analysis should be conducted to gain insight into the strengths and weaknesses of current interventions. Furthermore, a baseline analysis helps in identifying discrepancies to be addressed and outlining how the environment impacts diabetes management. A comprehensive literature review was adopted to collect data regarding the importance of a baseline analysis in diabetes interventions. The findings of the literature review indicated that a baseline analysis is a critical step for the development of effective diabetes interventions. Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and anthropometric factors such as quality of life and social determinants of health, should be assessed when conducting a baseline analysis. A baseline analysis is affirmed as a fundamental prerequisite for the development of diabetes interventions for better outcomes. There is also a need to assess the capacity of healthcare providers to conduct a baseline analysis to determine the need for support and in-service training. An inappropriately-conducted baseline analysis may lead to inappropriate solutions and misdiagnosis. The implementation of wrongful solutions would defeat the objective of improving diabetes outcomes

Self-Management Strategies in Outpatients with Hypertension under Treatment in Rural Communities

Hypertension is already a problem faced by South African urban populations, but little is known about the predominance, chance factors, and self-management strategies of hypertension in rural areas. Hypertension has an increased mortality and morbidity rate, thus has been identified as the killer disease in rural communities as its prevalence is increasing year by year. Non-attendance of hypertensive patients in rural communities has been identified as one of the most pressing issues in chronic illness, including hypertension, management and results into uncontrolled illnesses. Hypertensive patients lack self-management strategies to maintain their quality of life when diagnosed. Therefore, this book chapter is aimed at exploring the knowledge of self-management and strategies used in outpatients with hypertension under treatment in rural communities. Seven major themes were identified: paradoxical description; adherence to treatment and medication instructions, medical follow-up visits at the health facility, healthy lifestyle; management of emotions; defense mechanisms and religious interventions. Patients faced obstacles such as not eating a healthy diet since they are not the ones cooking, and children are always generating problems for them, leading their blood pressure and blood glucose levels to rise. Additional efforts are needed in rural communities to promote hypertension and self-management measures through educational programs

Strategies to Enhance Compliance to Health and Safety Protocols within the South African Mining Environment

Occupational health focuses on promotive and preventive and curative health. The occupational health practitioners have the responsibility to guide management and employees on the occupational legislative obligations aiming to safeguard legal compliance at the workplace. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the health professionals within the mining industry to provide primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies to improve the health and safety of workers. However, the prevalence of work-related diseases such as noise induced hearing loss, silicosis and the occurrence of accidents in the mining industry is an alarming factor. Systematic review method was adopted to identify and screen relevant citations. This book chapter aims to review and discuss existing literature on health and safety strategies to enhance safety compliance within the South African mining industry