Investigation of inter-professional collaboration between traditional health practitioner sand community nurses at primary health care in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district in the North West Province(NWP)

Abstract

This study investigated and described the nature and extent of inter-professional collaboration between the Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) and Community Nurses (CNs) in Primary Health Care (PHC) in the Ngaka Modiri Molema (NMM) district of North West Province of South Africa. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. Data was collected with a self constructed questionnaire from 264 CNs and 217 THPs in the five sub districts of NMM. Descriptive data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Findings: Majority (76%) of healthcare professionals were females. There was no significant relationship between the respondents' age, gender and educational level towards inter-professional collaboration (p>0.05). A total of 162 (82, 2%) of CNs and 205 (95, 8%) of THPs indicated that they respect each other as healthcare professionals in their own right. The high percentage of respect was an expectation of positive inter-professional collaboration. Mutual respect is key element to success between and among the professionals. A total of 69, 6% of CNs would not advise patients to consult THPs whereas (97, 2%) of THPs would advice patients to consult CNs. A total of 191 (95 %) of CNs have never referred patients to THPs. The study revealed that 204 (95, 3 %) of the THPs indicated that they will refer patients to the CNs without fear, guilt or insecurity. Majority of healthcare professionals, that is 177 (68, 8%) of CNs and 148 (92, 1 %) of THPs support working together. Conclusion This study revealed that the there was no significant association between inter-professional collaboration between the THPs and CNs at PHC in Ngaka Modiri Molema; however, there was willingness by healthcare professionals to collaborate.