Experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a selected tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Jojo, Lumkile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cancer -- Nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26907 , vital:66080
- Description: Background: Cancer burden is a global public health concern. It is associated with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of cancer cases affecting mostly low-income countries and middle- income countries. South Africa as a middle-income country is also affected by this cancer rise. The limited access to oncology services contributed to the late presentation and late diagnosis. In the Eastern Cape, oncology services were previously offered in Port Elizabeth and East London only. Oncology unit was recently opened in Mthatha to decentralize oncology services in the province. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Objectives were to describe experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, and to describe the quality of oncology services provided by a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: a qualitative research approach with a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was undertaken in this study, to get the perspective of the oncology healthcare service recipients on the decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital. An interview guide was used to get experiences of the cancer patients attending oncology clinic. Interviews were conducted to 19 participants on a one-to-one basis. With ethical consideration, all COVID-19 protocols were observed. All interviews were transcribed carefully against their audio-recordings. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process. The concept of trustworthiness was used to ensure rigour throughout this study. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data was organized into themes using the Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Results: seven themes emerged: 1) experience related to a high level of satisfaction with services provided and desired expectations, 2) waiting time, 3) availability of human and material resources, 4) attitude of health care workers, 5) appropriate treatment and care, 6) access to services, and 7) need for improved infrastructural facilities Many patients had positive experiences about decentralization of oncology services in the province. Most patients were happy about travelling short distances, a smaller number of days, using less money and the time it takes to see a doctor. They also expressed their satisfaction on the quality of oncology services rendered in the unit. The waiting times were acceptable, medicines available and staff had positive attitudes towards the patients. The study revealed that, there were complaints about infrastructure, poor hospital record keeping, and lack of resources. The themes which emanated from the recordings of the study showed that patients with cancer, attending oncology clinic at a public tertiary hospital had positive experiences in this decentralized oncology unit. The services rendered at the facility were of acceptable quality. Staff had positive attitude towards their patients. All patients were seen by the doctors within acceptable waiting time, and they all got their prescribed medication. Access to services was much improved in terms of distance, number of days travelled by patients to access the service and time taken to see the doctor for appointments. Conclusion: The hospital must improve its infrastructure, record keeping, security, and expand the services. Put more focus on cancer awareness programs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-09
Experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a selected tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Jojo, Lumkile Wilmot
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cancer -- Patients , Oncology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23510 , vital:58074
- Description: Background: Cancer burden is a global public health concern. It is associated with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of cancer cases affecting mostly low-income countries and middle- income countries. South Africa as a middle-income country is also affected by this cancer rise. The limited access to oncology services contributed to the late presentation and late diagnosis. In the Eastern Cape, oncology services were previously offered in Port Elizabeth and East London only. Oncology unit was recently opened in Mthatha to decentralize oncology services in the province. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Objectives were to describe experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, and to describe the quality of oncology services provided by a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: a qualitative research approach with a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was undertaken in this study, to get the perspective of the oncology healthcare service recipients on the decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital. An interview guide was used to get experiences of the cancer patients attending oncology clinic. Interviews were conducted to 19 participants on a one-to-one basis. With ethical consideration, all COVID-19 protocols were observed. All interviews were transcribed carefully against their audio-recordings. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process. The concept of trustworthiness was used to ensure rigour throughout this study. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data was organized into themes using the Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Results: seven themes emerged: 1) experience related to a high level of satisfaction with services provided and desired expectations, 2) waiting time, 3) availability of human and material resources, 4) attitude of health care workers, 5) appropriate treatment and care, 6) access to services, and 7) need for improved infrastructural facilities. Many patients had positive experiences about decentralization of oncology services in the province. Most patients were happy about travelling short distances, a smaller number of days, using less money and the time it takes to see a doctor. They also expressed their satisfaction on the quality of oncology services rendered in the unit. The waiting times were acceptable, medicines available and staff had positive attitudes towards the patients. The study revealed that, there were complaints about infrastructure, poor hospital record keeping, and lack of resources. The themes which emanated from the recordings of the study showed that patients with cancer, attending oncology clinic at a public tertiary hospital had positive experiences in this decentralized oncology unit. The services rendered at the facility were of acceptable quality. Staff had positive attitude towards their patients. All patients were seen by the doctors within acceptable waiting time, and they all got their prescribed medication. Access to services was much improved in terms of distance, number of days travelled by patients to access the service and time taken to see the doctor for appointments. Conclusion: The hospital must improve its infrastructure, record keeping, security, and expand the services. Put more focus on cancer awareness programs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-09
Developing a framework for achieving a clean audit outcome in the Eastern legislature
- Authors: Wellem, Chuma
- Date: 2014-01
- Subjects: Political corruption -- South Africa , Social accounting , Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25732 , vital:64474
- Description: Public sector reform in South Africa became a reality with the change in political dispensation in 1994 in South Africa the transformation of the public sector became critical in order to provide for a better life for all. This required regulatory frameworks that could establish good governance and a holistic transformation of the Public Sector. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 states as its basic principles governing public administration that Public administration must be accountable and transparent to the South African Public its. The South African Constitution serves as the basis for the governance of all government departments. An external independent audit is an important element of a good governance framework. This dissertation examines the role of auditing in supporting effective and good governance in the public sector and it seeks to develop a framework that will be used as a tool towards achieving and maintaining a clean audit outcome that is in line with good governance. The importance of auditing is outlined coupled with an interpretation of what the different audit outcomes mean for the public sector. The case of The Eastern Cape Legislature is used to assist in drawing up a framework that will assist the public sector to achieve and maintain a clean favorable audit outcome. This paper clearly links effective governance with internal control and ultimately audit outcomes. It also makes the point that risk management, effective audit committees and internal audit functions are key elements of the governance process. Furthermore, conclusions are drawn in the form of guidelines for all departments to follow in preparing for an audit as well as a turnaround strategy towards clean governance. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
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- Date Issued: 2014-01
Evaluating the implementation of performance management systems at Lilongwe Technical College in Malawi
- Authors: Ngondo, Lydia Temwa Bester
- Date: 2011-10
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26335 , vital:65239
- Description: The study was set out to examine the implementation of Performance Management System at Lilongwe Technical College in Malawi. The reason for pursuing the study is to contribute to the improvement and strengthening of the implementation of the Performance Management System which is already in place at the college. The objectives of the study were to assess the attitudes and perceptions of employers regarding the implementation of the PMS at Lilongwe Technical College; to establish the challenges inhibiting successful implementation; and to provide possible mechanisms to improve the situation. The research methodology used was a qualitative research approach, based on in-depth interviews, observation and secondary resources that is reviewing the necessary information available in connection with the topic. After analyzing the relevant information, it became apparent that the performance management system is lacking understanding of the policy, procedures and processes, senior management does not seem to be committed to the successful implementation of the PMS and also lack of motivation and advocacy from top management. The researcher has given recommendations in chapter 5 so that it would contribute to more efficient and effective implementation of the Performance Management System at Lilongwe Technical College. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
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- Date Issued: 2011-10