Wits Business School (ETDs)

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Absenteeism and motivational factors at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Emergency Unit
(2021) Ndwandwe, Martin
Absenteeism, which is the practice of not attending a scheduled work duty as expected by an employer, is a serious concern in South African health institutions, which already suffer staff shortages. This study analyses the causes of absenteeism and its consequences for the emergency unit of a public hospital. The research was conducted through a qualitative and quantitative analysis using primary data. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires with ten participants working at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Emergency Unit. Data analysis was conducted using codes and themes which were interpreted to deduce meaningful findings. The main findings were that poor working conditions, poor work relationships, poor management and inadequate compensation contribute to absenteeism. Absenteeism has negative repercussions for all stakeholders at a public hospital, especially the public, for whom the absence of staff equates to poor service delivery. Moreover, absenteeism results in the overloading of remaining staff, an increase in pressure on managers, and a poor reputation for the institution as a whole
Assessing the impact of mobile technological innovation on maternal healthcare in South Africa
(2020) Govind (Matee), Misha
Background: Maternal mortality is a significant public health issue in developing countries due to its shocking magnitude and lower declining pattern. Identifying determinants and designing intervention will have an important role to overcome the problem. Ending preventable maternal mortality remains one of the world’s most critical challenges despite significant progress over the past decade. These deaths are primarily from preventable causes before, during and after the time of giving birth. (Boerma, et al., 2015) Creative use of new mobile and wearable health information and sensing technologies (mHealth) has the potential to reduce the cost of health care and improve well-being in numerous ways. (Kumar, et al., 2013) The rapid growth in access to mobile phones and networks in Africa has created an opportunity for Health programs to impact the health of Africans positively. Health programs have the potential to contribute to innovative solutions to address health system challenges including (1) disparities in access to health services; (2) inadequacies of health infrastructure; (3) limited human resources for health; (4) cost to the individual of accessing health services; and (5) challenges in health financing. (African Strategies for Health (ASH), 2016) Therefore this study aimed to identify the correlates of mobile technology and maternal mortality in developing countries. Method: This research report conducted used national and international databases of health metrics from 2011 to 2019. Using aggregates of health indicator data from Statistics South Africa (STATSSA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) databases. Momconnect and Mum & Baby data were collected from Vodacom South Africa, the National Department of Health (NDoH) and Praekelt. The dependent variable was the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). In contrast, the independent variable was the numbers of subscribers for Momconnect and Mum & Baby, two national maternal mobile healthcare applications in South Africa. Data was compiled in excel and analysed using correlation tests and regression analysis. Results: The maternal mortality ratio in South Africa is high. A significant relationship between the maternal mortality ratio and the adoption of mobile healthcare applications was observed. There were an inverse and significant correlation between the maternal mortality ratio and the diffusion of mobile technology. Conclusion: The maternal mortality ratio is correlated with mobile technology.
Combining complexity leadership with operational systems and structures for adaptability in South African private hospitals
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Nel, Karen
The global healthcare landscape is complex. The South African Government and various other researchers have highlighted the unequal nature of the healthcare system in South Africa. The system is unsustainable and urgently needs substantial transformation in its current form. As set out by the South African Government, introducing universal healthcare coverage for the whole population is a solution. This will, however, significantly impact and change all role- players relatively quickly, especially for private hospitals. The purpose of this study was to critically examine whether private hospitals in South Africa were positioned for adaptability, considering complexity leadership (with concepts: entrepreneurial leadership, operational leadership and enabling leadership) and operational systems and structures (with concepts: agile, lean and leagile), as an approach to deal with the potential changes. A mixed methods study with an explanatory sequential design was utilised where the quantitative results and sample informed the population and questions of the qualitative study. Additionally, the quantitative results' drivers were identified in the qualitative study, namely causal factors, leadership and operational consequences, and aggravating factors. This study confirmed that the leadership displayed in private hospitals and the operational systems and structures implemented in private hospitals were not aligned with complexity leadership and operational systems and structures as defined in the conceptual model of this study. A unique finding was that operational systems and structures in private hospitals had a significantly higher impact on the hospitals' daily management than the leadership displayed in these hospitals. This was especially evident between managers and non-managers and between clinical and non-clinical employees, with non-clinical employees viewing the impact of the operational systems and structures implemented in hospitals as significantly more impactful than the leadership displayed in these hospitals. Furthermore, it was identified that operational leadership and lean systems and structures were the preferred approaches in private hospitals and negatively impacted the display of entrepreneurial leadership and agile systems and structures in these hospitals. Moreover, it was found that exploitative leadership, which is the leadership approach when dealing with old certainties, labelled as operational leadership in the current complexity leadership framework, should be relabelled a administrative-operational leadership in South African private hospitals, as a result of the hierarchical, autocratic culture. Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the leadership displayed and the operational systems and structures that were implemented in these hospitals, it was identified that employees can either experience disruption in a positive light through an adaptive response supported flexibility, or be traumatised by it when management implemented an order response with increased controls. It was conclusively confirmed that private hospitals in South Africa do not regularly display complexity leadership nor implement operational systems and structures as defined in this study's conceptual model. Four recommendations were made that can assist the private hospital industry in becoming more adaptable. The first recommendation is for the industry to implement CL and OSS as defined by the study's conceptual model. This implementation will naturally develop into an adaptive space. The second recommendation is to overcome the disconnect between industry players, head offices and hospitals, and to increase collaboration. Although the adaptive space will impact this recommendation positively, it has to be driven and supported by senior leadership. The third recommendation is to develop a formal industry framework for adaptability in private hospitals. The fourth recommendation is for the implementation of integrated and applied development programmes for leaders and staff at all levels. The programmes will assist everyone to better understand the relationship between CL, OSS, business acumen, and business success
Commercialisation of customised pharmaceutical compounded creams and ointments in a community pharmacy setting
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Matulodi, Itumeleng Bianca; Magida, Ayanda
This research intended to discover and explore a business opportunity for high-quality, cost-effective creams/ointments and the therapeutic benefits to the end-user in a community pharmacy setting. A mixed research method was utilised in the proposed business venture in the form of primary and secondary data collection, solidifying methods in answering the research questions. A random sample size of 120 adults was used for the quantitative survey questions and 80 adults for the qualitative survey. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was utilised to enter all the data and to make inferences from the primary and secondary data obtained. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 was used to code data and run the statistical analysis. The research results revealed that the cream combination may be prescribed by either the GP/Specialist and will not depend on gender, age, the frequency of prescribing, and whether the individual is using it for the first time or more. There was a perfect association between price and cream. Pharmaceutical compounded creams/ointments have a critical part in providing patient- centric products and services for individuals who may be underserved. This is a business that can be leveraged.
E-learning as an innovative platform for medical doctors in South Africa
(2021) Pillay, Terence
E-learning could be an innovative continued medical education platform for medical doctors in South Africa, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on physical contact between pharmaceutical companies’ representatives and doctors. This study aimed to determine and develop a more effective way to reach and provide accurate, credible education for all doctors using an e-learning platform as an alternative to representative visits. This research involved a quantitative study, deploying a survey to a sample of 456 doctors in South Africa via an online platform. The results arising from the analyses to prove the three hypotheses were statistically significant, and all were accepted. In summary doctors in South Africa valued their relationships with medical representatives, but simultaneously questioned the credibility of the education received from the representatives. Many doctors accessed the internet for their own education as one of their channels of education. In view of the research findings, an innovative e-learning platform is proposed to deliver continued medical education to all doctors and to allow for best practices sharing across the medical fraternity in South Africa
Effects of Covid-19 on the psychological well-being of employees in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Ashruf, Ahmed; Conradie, Bruce
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 virus to be a pandemic (Zanke et al., 2020, p.49). The virus first spread in South Africa when a traveller returned to the country after visiting Italy. To stop the infection from spreading South Africa implemented a national lockdown as per the Disaster Management Act, Regulations: Alert level 5 on the 26th of March 2020. South Africans were only permitted to leave their homes for medical crises, food, and medication (Villani et al., 2021, p.2). Furthermore, universities and schools were shut down whereby some functioned online, intern-regional, and international travel was suspended. During this time, all kinds of meetings were prohibited. Inter-regional travel became feasible six month later, and five months later it was conceivable for those living in various regions to be able to return to their homes (Villani et al., 2021, p.2). However, front line workers were only permitted at the time to attend work while other companies transitioned to remote work
Emerging technologies and technological catch-up in the pharmaceuticals sector in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Singh, Vyasha; Hilli, Thembela
This study investigates the establishment and evolution of innovation capabilities in synthetic biology, an emerging technology used as a mechanism for technological catch-up in latecomer countries, for application in the South African pharmaceuticals sector which aims to make innovative health treatments more accessible to patients, especially those in developing countries. There is a crucial need for developing countries to obtain endogenous technological and innovation capabilities as these are vital for achieving progress with regards to a countries desire to catch-up to leading nations. The qualitative research design used a longitudinal case study approach to determine how the development of capabilities in synthetic biology has evolved in South Africa since its inception at a dedicated research centre established in 2007 by The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Two innovation capability frameworks were applied to assess these capabilities to determine the current level of innovation capability in relation to its technology development, operations, management, and transactions capabilities which ultimately inform its innovation performance. The study utilized data from interviews with individuals directly involved with the centre’s research and management activities; a categorical questionnaire seeking data on technology development activities; as well as data extracted from organizational operational reports and strategic plans. The key findings showed that South Africa has a shortage of skilled human capital in synthetic biology coupled with insufficient financial resources to enable the area to realise its full potential. Therefore the innovation capability ranking of the centre has stagnated at an incremental/ intermediate level. The resulting effect is that, despite the national goals it has set out to achieve, the area has yet to create real impact for the pharmaceutical sector. The recommendations provided at the end of the study will advise the centre on possible pathways it could take to improve its overall innovation capability. At this present level, technological catch-up by means of leapfrogging, remains out of reach, and will hinder the countries progress in closing the gap between itself and leading countries in terms of the rates of technical change with respect to synthetic biology
Exploring the nexus between digital maturity, entrepreneurial orientation, and SMEs’ organization resilience in Johannesburg in the post-lockdown era
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Mitha, Irshad
The research study investigates the nexus between digital maturity, entrepreneurial orientation, and SMEs’ organization resilience in Johannesburg in the post-lockdown era. The research aims to understand the relationship between SMEs’ digital maturity and organization resilience and to analyse the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between SME retaillers’ digital maturity and SMEs retaillers’ organization resilience
Impact of COVID-19 on digital transformation
(2021) Mabuza, Jabulile
The COVID-19 pandemic has been commonly referred to as a ‘black swan event’; it has changed the world as we knew it, from how we live, learn, work and socialise. It is believed that the pandemic has fast-tracked the adoption of technology in many organisations to ensure business continuity and business sustainability; broadly said, the pandemic has fast-tracked digital transformation (DT) in different organisations. This paper aims to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DT in organisations in South Africa by focusing on the changes in IT capabilities in the DT framework. The research design is qualitative; the data collection was through semi-structured interviews with information communication technology (ICT) leaders representing different organisations in South Africa. The data was analysed using the thematic-analysis process to formulate initial codes, initial themes and final themes emerging from the study. The results from the study show that, in terms of ICT in the organisation, the pandemic had a direct and positive impact on ICT strategy and ICT operations. In terms of IT capability transformation, the pandemic resulted in the optimisation and expansion of existing IT capabilities in the organisation and the building of new IT capabilities to meet emerging business needs. In terms of the focus of activities during the pandemic, there seems to be a split in organisations between the primary focus being on ‘digital IT’ or ‘traditional IT’. Overall, the findings of the study show that the pandemic had a positive and significant impact on DT in organisations. However, a definitive conclusion on this would require expanding the scope of the research to all the components of a comprehensive DT framework. This study is significant because it is one of the first studies to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on organisations, on ICT in the organisation, on IT capability transformation and, to a greater extent, DT. The findings from the study show that in response to the pandemic, there is a need for agility in organisations; for organisations to execute on their existing strategy; the future-proofing of IT capabilities; the adoption of a hybrid working model; and for organisations to take risks and embrace new ideas.
Investigating the reasons for the differences in the accessibility of renal replacement therapy in the public and private healthcare sectors in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Asmal, Zubair Mahomed; Ameyibor, Leeford
The number of patients with kidney failure is increasing. This increase is secondary to an increase in the risk factors resulting in kidney disease, and will result in an increase in the number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). South Africa has a two-tiered healthcare system, a public and a private sector. At present, there is a significant disparity in the number of patients receiving RRT in the two sectors with more in the private sector. This disparity has been attributed anecdotally to a lack of resources in the public sector and specific legislation, although no research have been done to confirm this. Health disparity in general is complex and involves an interplay between multiple factors, including historical, political, economic, legislative and environmental factors. The hypothesis is that the disparity in RRT is complex, based on multiple factors, and cannot be ascribed to only two factors. To test the hypothesis, we interviewed the stakeholders in the RRT industry regarding their perspectives of the causative factors. In total, 33 interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed and analysed using the grounded theory from a constructivist angle. The objective of the analysis was to determine which factors contributed to t he number of patients receiving RRT in the public sector, compared with the private sector. As the renal transplantation programme is managed collectively by the two sectors, it was considered separately. Based on the interviews, five themes were extracted to explain the disparity. These themes follow the journey of a kidney failure patient from the factors that contributed to the condition, to being diagnosed and ultimately treated. The themes are the prevalence of kidney disease in the two populations, the decision-making process of who receives RRT, the accessibility of receiving RRT, the resources available for RRT and the impact of the transplantation. Each theme has subthemes and combined they form a holistic explanation to account for the disparity. This study identified possible causative mechanisms to explain the disparity. It is hoped that by uncovering these mechanisms, corrective Page 5 of 15 measures can be implemented, a more equitable and just healthcare service can be offered to all citizens and in the process save a multitude of lives
Job satisfaction of healthcare professionals in two East London public hospitals in South Africa in the context of Covid-19
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dlodlo, Nkosilathi; Magida, Ayanda
Introduction: Job satisfaction of healthcare workers is important to provide better patient care and with the prediction by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there would be a shortage of healthcare workers by 2030. The Covid-19 pandemic affected healthcare workers differently and hence the reason for the study. The aim is to explore and understand healthcare workers’ job satisfaction during the Covid 19 pandemic and make recommendations for human resource management to keep healthcare workers satisfied. Methodology: data collection was done from the 10th of October 2022 to the 5th of January 2023, with 203 participants from Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH) and Frere Hospital (FH). Convenience sampling was done through an online survey that compromised of demographic and modified job satisfaction survey questions (JSS). Results: 82% of the participants were dissatisfied with the pay and remuneration; 76% were dissatisfied with supervision from the hospital management, and 83% were dissatisfied with contingent rewards. The healthcare workers were only moderately satisfied with their relationships with co-workers, which had a 41% satisfaction level. Conclusion: there is a need to improve on financial and non-financial components that would then motivate the healthcare workers and inevitably lead to better job satisfaction levels through regular assessment and improved policies that meet the needs of the healthcare workers
Perceptions of health care professionals on the feasibility of NHI in the current South African context
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Shezi, Khulekani; Horvey, Sylvester Senyo
The research aimed to investigate the perceptions of health care professionals on the feasibility of a National Health Insurance (NHI) policy in the current South African context. This is motivated by the country’s government plan to introduce a single health care system that is able to provide quality, affordable, and accessible health care services to all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Listed as one of the programmes for implementation on the country’s National Development Plan (NDP), the NHI is expected to be rolled out to South African citizens by the end of 2026. The study considered different countries that have introduced universal health coverage by use of the NHI, extrapolating key lessons and considerations that can be applied by South Africa for this context, with a specific focus on the views and perceptions of healthcare professionals on the feasibility of such a programme and the uncovering of any undocumented concerns and fears about the NHI. The study employed a qualitative approach, interviewing sixteen health care professionals through open-ended questions. Participants were all based and placed in Ekurhuleni and employed at the public hospitals in the area. This specific sample was chosen because of the volume of patients they see and the challenges regarding resources they face. Most healthcare professionals believe the NHI is not feasible in South Africa. They expressed concern over the required political prowess for implementation and the lack of trust in current governmental structures to ensure the successful running of such a state-owned entity. The participants also mentioned that the current planning for the NHI excludes the voices of healthcare professionals, who will be some of the major stakeholders on the ground. Therefore further fuelling the scepticism on the positive rollout of such a programme. The key recommendation from the research is that the country’s government must involve all stakeholders to ensure the success of the NHI. Additionally, it is presented that there be mandatory cross-subsidization for the elderly and value-added tax for the unemployed. Lastly, it is presented that the government should focus on improving the public sector and its readiness for such a rollout before emphasizing time frames
The effect of smartwatches on patient-centered healthcare
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Ndhlovu, Patson; Ndayizigamiye, Patrick
Patient-centered healthcare lies at the core of health and social services, where individuals are recognized and encouraged to take an active role in their own care. The literature suggests that technological advancements are contributing to achieving patient-centred care. As technology is advancing, it is important to keep abreast of how emerging technologies are affecting patient-centred healthcare. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of smartwatches on patient-centred healthcare. To achieve this, this study assessed the effect of features of smartwatches on the Picker's 8 principles of patient-centred healthcare. The sample for this study was 141 participants who use smartwatches. These participants were all part of a running club based in Gauteng province of South Africa. The findings revealed that the activity tracking feature of a smartwatch has a moderate impact on emotional comfort and coordination and integration of care. Similarly, the vital signs monitoring feature has a moderate effect on the continuity and transition of care, while the data management feature demonstrated a moderate effect on the coordination and integration of care. Moreover, the activity tracking feature of a smartwatch has the strongest effect on the coordination and integration of care, while vital signs monitoring has the strongest effect on the continuity and transition of care. The data management feature, on the other hand, has the strongest effect on the coordination and integration of care. Findings from this study, albeit their limitations, can assist healthcare providers to make informed decisions on which features of smartwatches they should focus on when promoting the use of wearables to provide patient-centred car
The effects of psychosocial factors on healthy lifestyle choices: the moderating role of normative beliefs and health consciousness
(2020) Mokgethi, Kgaiso
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) negatively impact people's lives worldwide, particularly in developing economies, and South Africa is no exception. Consumers' lifestyle decisions, which necessarily impact their well-being, play a significant role in NCDs. As a result, this study is predominantly driven by the health industry. This research supports the marketing fraternity in understanding the significant variables that influence consumer behaviour in relation to healthy lifestyles. The researcher has observed that health-oriented brands play a minimal role than brands that promote activities such as consuming fast foods, alcohol, and smoking. The purpose of this study was to investigate how key psychosocial factors influence lifestyle choices. The focus is on healthy living choices amongst South Africans. The key factors of this study include identity-based motivations, self-efficacy, consumer attitude, and consumer knowledge. In addition, the susceptibility to normative influence and health consciousness serves as interaction factors and the link between consumers’ healthy lifestyle attitudes and purchase intentions. An online survey questionnaire was conducted, and the data was collected through social media platforms, with a total of 493 respondents. The study tested seven hypotheses using Structural Equation Modelling. The research results confirmed that five out of the seven hypotheses were significant. The study results indicate that self-efficacy, a favourable attitude, and identity-based motivation have a significant relationship with healthy lifestyle choices. Knowledge was found to be insignificant. Previous studies confirm that for knowledge to have a significant relationship, it needs to be paired with appropriate interventions. The study also indicated that normative beliefs positively influenced consumer lifestyle choices and purchase intentions, whereas health iii consciousness as a moderating factor was insignificant. The findings will significantly contribute to the literature and theoretical knowledge on healthy lifestyle choices within an emerging market
The feasibility of telemedicine based consultation in the primary healthcare sector in Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mistry, Karishma Jivan; Wotela, Kambidima; Zhuwao, Patrick
Healthcare system in South Africa is overburdened and telemedicine is considered a useful tool to make quality healthcare more accessible. In South Africa, regulations imposed by Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and restricted access to technological, educational, economic and sociocultural factors has limited the ease of accessing and using telemedicine. In order for telemedicine to gain prominence, it needs to be integrated into everyday practice and be seen as an alternative to face-to-face consultation. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate a combination of factors, in the context of Covid-19 pandemic, namely telemedicine as an engaging platform, seeking written or verbal informed consent for clinical procedures and using information and communication technology (ICT) and availability and knowledge of electronic resources to conduct virtual consultation. In addition, the method used to store patient information was examined to understand the prominence it has in the context of telemedicine. A quantitative, cross-sectional research strategy was used to collect data from 80 family physicians practicing in either private, state or both sectors. This study reported that a large number of participants have used some form of telemedicine, although only one third use it daily. On average the study population reported to agree that telemedicine is an engaging platform, but half the respondents found that the explanation concerning the disease or treatment is not better. Verbal consent is used more than written consent for activities relating to clinical examination or when using ICT. While, majority of the respondents indicated that they do have an electronic device to implement telemedicine consultation, only half the respondents had access to quality broadband network. The study also reported that about two-thirds of the respondents reported to stored patient information manually. Overall, more attention is required to make the functionality of telemedicine more noticeable. Telemedicine may not be valued so much when there is good health infrastructure, however, when health infrastructure is poor, telemedicine is unable to stand on its own. Hence, associated economic, education and socio cultural factors needs to be evaluated further so that behavioural barriers are reduced and telemedicine is used more frequently
The impact of human resource practices on employee productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic in the South African construction industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Makanza, Patience; Mati, Jacob
The study examined the impact of human resource practices on employee productivity in the South African construction industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, the study investigated four human resource practices - training, employee wellness, compensation, and employee engagement - to determine their impact on productivity, with the Covid-19 pandemic as the intermediary variable. The study found that training had a positive impact on productivity, indicating that regular training opportunities should be provided to employees to enhance productivity. However, no conclusive evidence was found to support the hypothesis that training improved productivity during the pandemic. The study further revealed that compensation was strongly linked to productivity, but participants were indifferent about the impact of changes in compensation during the pandemic. The empirical evidence showed that although superiors offered support to their subordinates, participants were neutral about the link between employee wellness and productivity. Although it was discovered that employee involvement has a beneficial effect on productivity, participants were unable to affirm if it enhanced their performances during the epidemic as also reiterated by Ramakrishnan and Yogarajah (2021) The results of the study have important repercussions for the South African construction sector, notably during the Covid-19 epidemic as also stated by Amoah and Simpeh, (2021).Construction businesses should follow the study's advice and pay attention to employee wellness, as it has a significant impact on productivity. Furthermore, companies should consider increasing compensation packages to improve productivity, and they should promote employee engagement as it positively impacts productivity. Overall, this study highlights the importance of human resource practices in improving employee productivity during the Covid-19 pandemic in the South African construction industry. The recommendations presented in this study are crucial for construction companies in South Africa as they provide a basis for optimising employee productivity during challenging times. This study contributes to the existing literature on the impact of human resource practices on employee productivity during the Covid-19 pandemic vi and calls for further research in this area to enhance the understanding of the best practices in human resource management during such crises.
The Patients’ Rights Charter and patient centered care in a South African hospital
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Nku, Ipeleng Patience; Ngubane, Samkelo; Wotela, Kambidima
South Africa’s historical context has resulted in significant disparities and challenges in its healthcare sector. The national Patients’ Rights Charter was developed to counter these challenges by empowering patients and protecting their rights. Nevertheless, majority of patients attending hospitals remain unaware of their rights, and as a result face many frustrations associated with the quality of healthcare they receive. This research seeks to assess patients’ perceptions on the Patients’ Rights Charter and the influence that it has on the concept of patient centered care in a public South African hospital. Making use of three components of the Patients’ Rights Charter, namely confidentiality, informed consent and patient participation in decision making, the extent to which the rights are perceived by patients will be explored. The goal of this study is to assist hospitals in and around South Africa to improve patient centered care through use of the Patients’ Rights Charter. The study employed a quantitative research approach making use of fully structured questionnaires. With 200 participants observed from the medical and surgical out patients departments of the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary hospital, results revealed that 86% were aware that they have rights as patients, while only 31% were aware of existence of the Patients’ Rights Charter. Overall the research found that patient perceptions of the Patients’ Rights Charter were favourable. Correlation analysis revealed that all three constituents had a positive relationship with patient centered care, while multiple linear regression analysis found that only patient participation and informed consent directly influenced patient centered care. Thus laying focus on improving implementation of the Patients’ Rights Charter can aid hospital management in enhancing patient centered care. Such improvement in implementation would best be achieved through collaborative efforts of different systems and areas of the hospital
The perceived role of digitisation of electronic health records in South African hospitals
(2023) Laullchander, Ashleigh
In South Africa, patients experience stark differences in the health care provided by private and public hospitals (Ward et al., 2017). Patients in public hospitals often feel neglected and unsafe, while private hospital patients are more satisfied with the patientcenteredness of their received care (Miller, 2019). Primary factors that lead to these significant differences in healthcare experiences are the waiting periods in both hospital settings (Sastry et al., 2015). Lengthy waiting times in public hospitals cause difficulties for patients and healthcare workers alike (Sastry et al., 2015). The long waiting times endured before receiving care are considered the leading cause of skipped appointments, low healthcare worker morale, and poor medication compliance, all leading to poorer healthcare outcomes (Sastry et al., 2015). Differences in waiting times between the private and public domains of health care exist globally. With the introduction and improvement of computerised systems, digitisation of medical records and all clinical data in healthcare systems has become standard practice worldwide (Dash et al., 2019). Additionally, healthcare organisations are sources of big data, which includes records of patient information, results of medical examinations, and medical records information (Catalyst, 2018). Should this data not be managed appropriately, it fails to provide any value to the organisation in question (Dash et al., 2019).
Working capital and sustainability of private practices in the South African healthcare sector
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kondlo, Nangamso; Moyo, Bhekinkosi
The major aim of this quantitative exploratory study was to investigate the impact that working capital has on the long-term sustainability of small businesses; focusing on private practices in the health sector. The study contributes towards an understanding of the role that working capital plays in improving the chances of survival and thriving for small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa. The study sample (n=76) was drawn from a population consisting of all general practitioners who run private practices in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Data was collected through an online questionnaire administered via Survey Monkey. The questionnaire used had both closed and open-ended items. Answers to closed questionnaire items were analysed using descriptive statistics. The responses to open-ended items were analysed using content analysis, from which descriptive statistics were derived. The findings show that: private practices fund their working capital needs mainly through overdrafts and bank loans; there is a relationship between working capital and the sustainability of private practices; and the government and current policy frameworks are not doing enough to support the long-term sustainability of private practices in the health sector. Suggestions on how private practices can finance working capital requirements are given. It is recommended that amendments to public policy should be done, focusing on how to improve the long-term sustainability of private practices. Recommendations for future research are teased out

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