Integration of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) and HIV/AIDS and mental health care through the involvement of chronically ill patients using empowerment evaluation

Abstract

Background The emphasis in health care in South Africa is gradually shifting to acknowledge the different roles patients have regarding their own care. There is however, very little evidence of this practice and of related practical outcomes. Method. In the North West province, empowerment evaluation was used as the vehicle for patient engagement in integrating and improving services for chronically ill patients, namely those with non-communicable diseases, HIV and mental illnesses at Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics. This research was designed as an additional intervention in an ongoing quality improvement (QI) cycle which had started in 2007. Results After 62 visits to 9 facilities over a year and after capturing 332 patient and health worker opinions and ideas, many interventions were implemented leading to improved flow at clinics, a heightened awareness of good services, interesting performance measuring tools and patient/staff teams that acknowledged their symbiotic strength. There have also been many external influences on the project, such as a number of new doctors appointed at clinics, and others. Conclusion It was found that the potential of patients and patient-staff collaboration are being under-utilised in a resource-strained sector where the harnessing of this potential might contribute positively towards QI in health. (Full text available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2015; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2015.1102499