Takalani G Tshitangano
University of Venda, South Africa
Title: Guidelines to enhance the implementation of effective tuberculosis control measures in rural public hospitals of Vhembe district, Republic of South Africa
Biography
Biography: Takalani G Tshitangano
Abstract
In response to an infection control study that was conducted in 2012 in public hospitals of Vhembe district, Republic of South Africa, which revealed that health care workers implement ineffective measures to control tuberculosis as a result of work-related dynamics they experience, this paper aimed to develop a model having the capability of enhancing the implementation of effective measures of tuberculosis control. The reasoning strategies as well as the components of a theory were used to develop these guidelines. The baseline data analysis revealed that health care workers like any other employees need the support of management regarding the improvement of tuberculosis control related dynamics; and that the management was found to possess inadequate knowledge to deal with such dynamics. The developed model therefore concluded that if managers can be the first to receive training based on national and international tuberculosis control protocols, they will be empowered with knowledge and skills to improve health care workers’ tuberculosis control- related dynamics. The belief is that, if the workplace dynamics are addressed, health care workers will be motivated to implement effective tuberculosis control measures even in rural hospitals.