Communication model enhancement using electronic health record standard for tertiary hospital

Background: Communication of patient information in a healthcare setting in previous years was based on documented information on paper records carried from one location to another. However, with the introduction of electronic health records (EHRs), communications are now conducted electronically via installed and connected computer systems that are networked together. Inadequate communication of patients' information can deter patients' health and threaten their lives, putting them in unnecessary danger. Objective: The objective of this study was to design a standard EHR template model of communication for tertiary hospital that can be used in communicating patients' information between various departments involved in the management of patients without carrying papers around or tossing Patients or their relatives up and down. Method: The research adopts soft system methodology (SSM) with communication concepts from knowledge management, combining observations with various practical information to make a conclusion based on past experiences through a process of inductive reasoning, a communication model was developed that can be used as a template for hospitals to upgrade/integrate paper-based patient information management to electronic based in a bid to enhance patient care and information management. Results: The developed communication template model has been designed to be adopted for use in a bid to manage patients' information electronically in all tertiary hospitals and other hospitals that may so desire its use. Conclusion: It is observed from this article that communication in hospitals through EHR template is user friendly, safe and possible within the hospital and to outside facilities for effective paperless management of patients.

Accelerating implementation of district health information systems: perspectives from healthcare workers from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background: Although electronic health record systems are critical for healthcare management, there has been genuine concern about the quantity and quality of data generated by these systems inhibiting its full implementation. Objectives: The purpose of this article was to explore the experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) and challenges facing the acceleration of the District Health Information System (DHIS) in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa. Methods: In this study, an interpretive research paradigm was followed to explore the current state of electronic health in South Africa from the experiences of HCWs in the KZN province. Semi-structured focus group interviews conducted with 20 participants drawn from the district office, clinical nurse practitioners and data capturers allowed thematic analysis of data using a systems approach to link the perspectives HCWs to the design of the DHIS. Results: The participants held the view that e-health is crucial for monitoring disease trends, policy development, planning and allocation of infrastructure, information technology (IT), financial and human resources. Nevertheless, the participants highlighted a concern surrounding e-health regulations, ethics and data confidentiality; data quality and lack of interoperability of Health Information Systems (HIS). This concern was attributed to data fragmentation, internal politics and lack of coordination of the data system. Conclusions: The study suggests that good quality data ­ from an integrated DHIS, is highly critical for the effective utilisation, implementation and acceleration of e-health systems in the province to support epidemiological surveillance and modelling of outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

A practice framework to enhance the implementation of the policy on integration of mental health care into primary health care in KwaZulu-Natal province

Background: Mental health care at primary health care (PHC) still remains a challenge despite the Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into PHC which was developed in 1997 at the time when the White Paper for the Transformation of the Health System in South Africa was published. The White Paper made provision for a new health care system based on the principles of the PHC approach to care. This was followed by the promulgation of the Mental Health Care Act No. 17 of 2002 which is based on the principle that mental health care should be integrated into PHC; however, there have been challenges with regard to the implementation of this policy.Aim: This study aimed to analyse the implementation of Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into PHC with the ultimate aim of developing a practice framework for PHC nurses to enhance such implementation in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Setting: The study took place in selected health districts in KZN, namely, Ugu, eThekwini, iLembe and uMgungundlovu.Methods: A qualitative approach using grounded theory design was used to develop a practice framework to enhance the implementation of Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into PHC. A theoretical sampling method was used to select the sample from PHC managers, operational managers and professional nurses for the collection of data. The sample consisted of 42 participants. Data were collected by means of one-on-one interviews and focus group interviews. Strauss and Corbin's approach of data analysis was used for analysing data. The paradigm model was used as a guide to develop a practice framework to enhance the implementation of the Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into PHC in KZN. Results: This study found that integration of mental health care into PHC is understood as a provision of comprehensive care to mental health care users using either a supermarket approach or a one-stop-shop approach at PHC clinics. Strategies that are used at PHC clinics in KZN ensure that the integration of mental health care into PHC is implemented, includes the screening of all patients that come to the PHC clinic for mental illness, fast tracking of mental health care users once they have been assessed, and found to be mentally ill and management of all mental health care users as patients with chronic diseases.Conclusion: The practice framework developed identifies comprehensive mental health care being offered to mental health care users using either a supermarket approach or a one-stop-shop approach, depending on the availability of staff with a qualification in psychiatric nursing science

A practice framework to enhance the implementation of the Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into primary health care in KwaZulu-Natal province

Background: Mental health care at primary health care (PHC) still remains a challenge despite the Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into PHC which was developed in 1997 at the time when the White Paper for the Transformation of the Health System in South Africa was published. The White Paper made provision for a new health care system based on the principles of the PHC approach to care. This was followed by the promulgation of the Mental Health Care Act No. 17 of 2002 which is based on the principle that mental health care should be integrated into PHC; however, there have been challenges with regard to the implementation of this policy. Aim: This study aimed to analyse the implementation of Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into PHC with the ultimate aim of developing a practice framework for PHC nurses to enhance such implementation in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Setting: The study took place in selected health districts in KZN, namely, Ugu, eThekwini, iLembe and uMgungundlovu. Methods: A qualitative approach using grounded theory design was used to develop a practice framework to enhance the implementation of Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into PHC. A theoretical sampling method was used to select the sample from PHC managers, operational managers and professional nurses for the collection of data. The sample consisted of 42 participants. Data were collected by means of one-on-one interviews and focus group interviews. Strauss and Corbin's approach of data analysis was used for analysing data. The paradigm model was used as a guide to develop a practice framework to enhance the implementation of the Policy on Integration of Mental Health Care into PHC in KZN. Results: This study found that integration of mental health care into PHC is understood as a provision of comprehensive care to mental health care users using either a supermarket approach or a one-stop-shop approach at PHC clinics. Strategies that are used at PHC clinics in KZN ensure that the integration of mental health care into PHC is implemented, includes the screening of all patients that come to the PHC clinic for mental illness, fast tracking of mental health care users once they have been assessed, and found to be mentally ill and management of all mental health care users as patients with chronic diseases. Conclusion: The practice framework developed identifies comprehensive mental health care being offered to mental health care users using either a supermarket approach or a one-stop-shop approach, depending on the availability of staff with a qualification in psychiatric nursing science

Financial management roles of nurse managers in selected public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

Background: The public health sector in South Africa has been facing severe financial cutbacks and financial constraints in recent times. The nurse manager (NM) is faced with the task of managing and reducing expenditure in the nursing sector without compromising the quality care. This requires skills and understanding of financial management. Aim: This study aimed to explore the financial management roles of NMs and to identify financial management development needs necessary for NMs' practice. Setting: The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal. A total of eight hospitals from the five health districts were included. Methods: The study used the naturalistic paradigm with a constructivist grounded theory approach. Interviews were used to initially gather data from six NMs who were purposively selected. Theoretical sampling was used to further recruit financial managers, chief executive officers, assistant nurse managers and operational managers. The final sample consisted of 18 participants. Results: Financial management of the hospitals is the primary function of the financial managers and the chief executive officers. However, the role of NMs extends to the performance and participation in various activities relating to the financial functioning of the hospital. These include financial planning, financial monitoring, financial decision-making and financial control. Conclusion: Nurse managers have a financial management function in public health care organisations but lack the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies to function in this role and require additional training. Recommendations included that a competency framework be developed to improve the financial management competencies of NMs