Factors contributing to long waiting time at Blouberg Health Centre, Capricorn District, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Background: Long patient waiting time for services is demonstrated by daily long queues of patients in Primary Health Care (PHC) and hospitals Outpatients departments. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the factors contributing to long waiting time at Blouberg Health Centre (BHC), Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional research design was used to describe factors contributing to long waiting time. The study population consisted 31356 patients in the financial year 2017/2018. Simple random probability sampling was used to select 395 respondents. Data were collected using self-developed questionnaire. All questionnaires were completed and returned. The 395 questionnaires were then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 25). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and describe and summarized data. Findings: The findings were presented in the form of distribution graphs and tables. Inferential statistics were used based on probability and allowed judgement to be made about variables. The study revealed factors considered most important were lack of commitment; full time study leaves at the same year; workshops; sick leaves; increased population; sitting in tearoom for hours; many foreign national without passports; staff shortages; laissez faire working style and transfers or escorting patients, while the nearby Hellen Franz Hospital (HFH) also transfer to the same hospitals, leading to mismanagement of budget reduced manpower and increased death rate. Recommendations: The study recommends that all Primary Health Care (PHC) settings should use numbers for patients when entering facilities to monitor the queuing and prevent dissatisfaction that can result from long waiting. Conclusion: It is of paramount importance to provide clearer, transparent information to the recipients of the Primary health care services that they might receive. The provincial coordinators are accountable to the waiting time management with the assistance of the PHC specialist nurse and Nursing Management.