Background: Becoming a parent is a significant life event; however, premature birth abruptly alters this transition, creating short- and long-term consequences for both parents and infants. Aim: This study sought to explore the lived experiences of South African parents throughout the trajectory of premature birth and the subsequent hospitalisation of their baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Setting: The research was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, within the private healthcare setting. Methods: A quantitative, exploratory and descriptive phenomenological study design was used. Purposive sampling identified participants, and 11 interviews were conducted with eight mothers and three fathers. Inductive thematic analysis using MAXQDA identified emerging codes, categories and themes. Results: Three themes emerged: the journey to the NICU and the pregnancy context, transitioning to parenthood within the unnatural NICU environment, and the emotional journey during the prolonged admission. Parents reported limited psychosocial support from doctors, nurses and other parents. Conclusion: The challenges experienced by the parents mirrored common themes identified in global research. Parents described the psychosocial challenges during the pregnancy and neonatal admission, and the difficulties of achieving the parental role within the NICU environment. Confounding this was the limited exposure to formal psychosocial counselling by trained professionals. Contribution: This research highlights the psychosocial challenges experienced by parents during the admission period in private-sector NICUs and the need for increased, planned and structured psychosocial support.
Background: Lead time is the total time spent by a patient in a facility from their arrival until the end of the last service they receive. Increased waiting times, which are idle times, in between service points within a service system significantly lengthen the lead times. Aim: To review lead times and the determinant factors in public optometry services in South Africa. Methods: Literature was reviewed from Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases using key terms such as ‘lead time’, ‘waiting times’, ‘optometry services’ and ‘public hospitals’. To obtain more data about optometry services and wait times in public hospitals, seven websites were also included. Results: It was determined that 38 academic papers were pertinent to the review. Fifteen were optometry and eye care, six on lead time,six on triage, three queuing theory, one on patient flow, three on lean theory and two on frame work. Human resource limitations, insufficient equipment, unequal optometrist distribution and ineffective referral and patient flow mechanisms are among the main issues influencing lead times. Conclusion: To address the prolonged lead times for service in optometry, the report emphasises the urgent need for systemic changes in rural South African public hospitals. To ensure patients receive prompt and efficient eye care. It is imperative to increase the availability of qualified staff, upgrade infrastructure and expedite procurement procedures. Contribution: This study not only sheds light on existing debates on lead times and the system-level factors such as human resources, infrastructure and patient flow inefficiencies that influence them in South African public optometry services, but it also highlights important knowledge gaps and offers guidance for further studies and improvements in the healthcare system.
Background:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern projected to be the fifth most prevalent chronic disease by 2040, associated with high mortality and significant psychosocial burdens. Aim:This study aimed to explore and describe the correlation between depression and haemodialysis adequacy in CKD patients. Setting:Research was conducted across five units in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces, South Africa. Methods:This quantitative, cross-sectional, prospective analytic study included 78 patients selected via convenience sampling, and trustworthiness and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. A biostatistician analysed the raw data using the statistical analysis system (SAS). Data collected over 3 months involved objective measurements of online dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) and pathology (creatinine, urea), alongside subjective depression assessments using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results:The median BDI score was 17 (Interquartile range [IQR]: 13-22), reflecting mild-to-severe depressive symptoms. The median online Kt/V was 1.04. A significant inverse association was found between BDI scores and Kt/V (p = 0.0231), indicating that higher depressive symptoms correlate with lower adequacy. No significant relationships were observed between depression and creatinine or urea levels. Conclusion:Lower dialysis adequacy is significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms. Findings highlight the urgent need to integrate mental health screening and psychosocial support into routine renal care to improve patient outcomes. Contribution:The findings highlight the necessity of psychosocial support, patient compliance, and education to improve employment and nutritional security, and advocate for comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
Background: Patient satisfaction is a subjective metric, yet an important one used for evaluating healthcare performance and identifying areas for improvement. Since the introduction of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in South Africa in 2005, limited information is available on patient satisfaction in PET/CT departments. Understanding patients’ experiences in this setting is essential to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care. Aim: This study assessed patients’ satisfaction with care when undergoing PET/CT examinations. Setting: The study was conducted at three selected academic public hospitals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Methods: This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research design to collect data from 226 randomly selected respondents between March 2022 and September 2022. A structured, closed-ended, adapted questionnaire utilising a 5-point Likert scale was used to collect data through telephone surveys. Results: This study had a predominance of female respondents (62.4%) over male respondents (37.6%). Overall, the study reported high satisfaction levels regarding staff’s professionalism (92.5%), the privacy provided in the examination rooms (94.2%), the cleanliness of the examination rooms (88.9%), reception areas (90.3%), and toilets (93.8%), while only 0.4% expressed no satisfaction at all because their appointments were not kept at the scheduled times. Conclusion: This study suggests that the majority of patients were satisfied with the level of service and care they received during PET/CT examinations. However, there is a need to improve patient appointment adherence for achieving better clinical outcomes. Contribution: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography staff should advise patients with appointment choices and provide service at the scheduled times.
Background: Health science students’ well-being and academic performance are important concerns in under-resourced universities. However, there is limited insight into mHealth interventions and institutional support for psychological stress driven by demanding curricula and socioeconomic disparities. Digital therapeutics (DTx) offer scalable technology-enabled support for stress management. Aim: This narrative review explores how DTx can complement or enhance existing stress management approaches for health science students in under-resourced South African universities. Methods: A narrative literature search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Publications were from 2020 to 2024 on DTx addressing stress among university students, in low-resource settings and theoretical foundations. PRISMA guidelines informed reporting, and thematic synthesis followed Braun and Clarke. Theoretical frameworks informed analysis of effectiveness, the digital divide and mental health service integration. Results: The synthesis of nine studies, institutional reports and grey literature yielded four main themes: infrastructural and financial constraints, psychological and sociocultural barriers, facilitators and success factors and integration with university mental health services. Conclusion: Barriers included poor connectivity, high data costs, limited digital literacy, stigma around mental health and weak institutional support. Effective DTx adoption in low-resource settings requires overcoming barriers and strengthening policy, practice and research. Contribution: Digital therapeutics have the potential to play an important role in addressing mental health inequities among health science students in South Africa and similar contexts. The study contributes insights into digital health interventions to enhance support systems in higher education.
Background: Paediatric pain is frequently under-managed in prehospital care despite the known consequences. Practitioner-related factors, during transition from student to independent practice, influence pain management decisions. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the elements influencing senior undergraduate emergency medical care students’ self-reported attitudes, perceived readiness to practise and confidence in managing paediatric pain in South Africa and to identify self-reported barriers and enablers shaping their approach to paediatric pain management. Setting: The study was conducted among exit-level emergency medical care students at a South African university. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory design was employed. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten final-year Emergency Medical Care students registered at a South African university within two months of graduation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The authors generated two themes. Theme one: Attitudinal dissonance, reflected a disconnect between beliefs about paediatric pain management and confidence in practice. Scepticism towards pain expression, fear of harm and protocol reliance contributed to practice hesitancy. Theme two: Fear and uncertainty, highlighted perceived educational gaps and limited clinical exposure, which reduced participants’ perceived practice readiness. Conclusion: Emergency medical care students’ self-reported paediatric pain management is shaped by the interaction of attitudes, emotional responses and educational structures within prehospital training. Contribution: The study provides South African prehospital education-specific insight into factors influencing paediatric pain management and supports the need for curriculum refinement and enhanced learning and teaching methods to improve student preparedness and patient care.
Background:Vaccination is a crucial public health intervention for reducing child mortality and morbidity, but Ethiopia and Africa have not met the Global Vaccine Action Plan's target. Aim:The study aimed at exploring barriers to the expanded programme on immunisation service utilisation in pastoralist communities of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. Setting:The research study was conducted in the Afar region of Ethiopia. Methods:A qualitative research approach was utilised, combining exploratory and descriptive designs with an appreciative inquiry method. The study focused on parents or guardians of children aged 12 months - 23 months who missed vaccines, along with Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI) health workers, totalling 77 participants (60 parents and 17 healthcare providers). Data were collected through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions, with the sample size determined by data saturation, employing non-probability purposive sampling. Results:Four main themes from the interview data include barriers to community immunization programs, such as geographical challenges, family mobility, vaccine hesitancy due to concerns about side effects, and general reluctance or ignorance regarding vaccination. Conclusion:The study identified barriers to community immunisation programmes, including geographical challenges, family mobility, vaccine hesitancy due to concerns about side effects and general reluctance or ignorance regarding vaccination. Contribution:This study provides context-specific insights into nursing care supervision, informing practice and policy for primary health care professionals in patient management and serving as a foundation for future research.
Background: Bullying in schools has become a public health concern as it continues escalating and causing mental health issues, such as depression. Thus, victims of bullying apply various coping mechanisms for self-defence against bullies. Aim: This study explores and describes coping mechanisms used by bullied survivors of the specific school. Setting: Interviews were conducted at the participants’ homes in the Mamusa sub-district in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district in the North West province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative research approach following exploratory, descriptive and contextual designs was used. Twelve participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth individual face-to-face unstructured interviews until data saturation. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s six-step process, was used to analyse the data. Principles of ethical consideration were adhered to, and trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability and authenticity. Results: Two themes emerged: positive and negative coping mechanisms with six sub-themes. Conclusion: The findings revealed that victims used positive and negative coping mechanisms to deal with school bullying, which negatively affected the well-being of victims both academically and socially. Furthermore, extensive awareness and education on bullying needs to be promoted in schools to empower victims and learners. Concurrently, education on school bullying needs to be incorporated into nursing education for the proper management of victims. Contribution: The new information resulting from this research may improve teaching and nursing education regarding how nurses and teachers should be trained on the prevention of bullying at schools. Extensive awareness and education on anti-bullying policies need to be emphasised in schools to deal with school bullying.
Background: Globally, interprofessional collaboration (IPC) has been shown to improve patient outcomes and foster teamwork. While IPC forms an integral part of healthcare delivery, enabling professionals from various disciplines to work together in achieving holistic patient care, in Namibia, there is little research on the experiences of Faculty of Health Sciences students on IPC. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of Faculty of Health Sciences students on IPC in healthcare settings within the Khomas Region, Namibia. Setting: This study was conducted at the National University in Namibia. Methods: A qualitative exploratory contextual design was used. Data were collected through individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 16 Faculty of Health Sciences students. All interviews were audio recorded with a digital voice recorder followed by verbatim transcriptions, with the participants’ permission. The collected data were analysed thematically to identify recurring themes. Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) Understanding IPC as a learning and teamwork opportunity, (2) barriers to ineffective IPC in clinical settings and (3) mechanisms for enhancing IPC in healthcare settings. Conclusion: This study revealed that IPC is seen as a pathway to better teamwork and improved patient care outcomes among healthcare students. However, addressing challenges such as fostering effective interprofessional relationships is crucial for optimising IPC in healthcare settings. Contribution: Understanding student’s experiences on IPC can contribute to the development of ongoing strategies and targeted interventions geared towards enhancing strong IPC and promoting teamwork, effective communication and improved patient-centred care.
Background: The HIV and AIDS epidemic on a global level continues to be a challenge in contemporary societies. The impact of HIV and AIDS on the workforce in the agricultural sector in Africa needs to be explored. Aim: The study aimed at exploring and describing the impact of HIV and AIDS on the farming labour force among marginalised farming communities at Oliver Reginald (OR) Tambo District in Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Method: The study utilised a qualitative research approach with exploratory and descriptive designs, employing in-depth interviews for data collection. Thematic analysis was conducted based on the framework established by Braun and Clarke. Results: The study found that HIV and AIDS have significantly negative impacts on labour, farming skills, income and food security in marginalised farming communities in the OR Tambo Municipality. Additionally, there are challenges in accessing healthcare services, leading to treatment defaults. Conclusion: HIV and AIDS directly affect the labour force, impacting households’ capacity to produce food or attend work to earn wages for food purchases. Contribution: The findings from the study would assist local stakeholders, farming forums and the Department of Rural Development and Agriculture in managing HIV and AIDS with respect to the farming labour force and farming during their programme revisions and implementation planning.
Background: Traditional herbs are widely used during pregnancy, especially in developing countries, influenced by cultural beliefs and accessibility. Pregnant women often use these remedies to relieve discomfort. Despite ongoing debate about their safety and efficacy, little is known about factors influencing their use, highlighting the need for further research and clearer clinical guidance to ensure maternal and foetal safety. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the factors contributing to the use of traditional herbs among pregnant women at Rundu Intermediate Hospital, Kavango East Region, Namibia. Setting: The study was conducted in the maternity wards of an intermediate hospital in Namibia. Methods: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews guided by open-ended questions. Fifteen pregnant women were purposively sampled based on inclusion criteria. Results: Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: reasons for using traditional herbs during pregnancy, perceived benefits of traditional herbs, motivating factors influencing the use of traditional herbs and strategies to address the use of traditional herbs. Conclusion: The study concluded that pregnant women’s widespread use of traditional herbal remedies is motivated by cultural beliefs, perceived health benefits and accessibility. Accordingly, it would appear that pregnant women may have insufficient awareness of potential risks. Contribution: Findings from this study can be used to implement culturally responsive health education on the risks and consequences of the use of herbal remedies, as well as to strengthen prenatal promotion programmes to ensure safe and integrated maternal care outcomes.
Background: Malnutrition in children under 5 years commonly presents as stunting, wasting or micronutrient deficiencies. These conditions lead to high admission rates and nursing burnout at Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia. Despite this impact, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the perceptions and experiences of Namibian nurses in caring for these children. Aim: This study explored and described the perceptions and experiences of nurses regarding the care of malnourished children under five in the paediatric ward. Setting: The study was conducted in the paediatric ward of Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and phenomenological design was employed. Data were collected from 11 nurses via purposive sampling through individual face-to-face interviews and analysed according to themes. Trustworthiness and ethical principles were rigorously applied. Results: Five themes emerged: (1) patient and caregiver-related factors; (2) experiences of health facilities or institution-related factors; (3) perceived health provider-related challenges; (4) health provider perceptions of facilitators and recommendations; and (5) perceived legal factors. Conclusion: Nurses identified significant barriers to care, including a lack of specialised training, negative workplace relationships and systemic socio-economic challenges like poverty and gender-based violence. Issues with health worker relationships and the availability of childcare acts and guidelines were also identified. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Social Services needs to recruit additional staff and ensure sufficient resources. Contribution: This study identifies the need for specialised postgraduate paediatric training, providing a framework for the development of malnutrition management guidelines and establishing an evidence base for nurse-led community awareness programs.
Background: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is driving the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare, with radiology emerging as a key area of transformation. Artificial intelligence offers the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency, and clinical decision-making. However, implementation in Africa is challenged by limited infrastructure, digital capacity, and training. Understanding radiology professionals’ perceptions is vital for guiding effective and ethical adoption. Aim: This scoping review aimed to identify and map existing literature on the perceptions of radiology professionals regarding the use and adoption of AI in African healthcare settings. Method: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, a systematic search across Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus identified eight studies (2021–2025) involving 2467 radiology professionals. Data were thematically analysed to map perceptions, opportunities, and barriers to AI adoption. Results: Radiology professionals generally viewed AI positively, recognising its benefits for diagnosis and efficiency. However, concerns included limited AI knowledge and training, infrastructural and technological constraints, high implementation costs, and weak governance frameworks. Most professionals saw AI as a supportive rather than a replacement tool. Conclusion: Radiology professionals across Africa are receptive to AI but face educational, infrastructural, and regulatory challenges. Targeted training, stronger digital infrastructure, and robust governance are needed for sustainable adoption. Contribution: This review consolidates current evidence on African radiology professionals’ perceptions of AI, highlighting critical gaps in knowledge, readiness, and governance that can inform future policy and research.
Background: Seven years since the onset of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare delivery, particularly within radiology and imaging services, has been reshaped. Amid the surge of COVID-19 infection rates, diagnostic radiography middle managers (DRMMs) were tasked with implementing new protocols, managing increased imaging demands and leading teams through uncharted territory. The exposed gaps in middle management crisis preparedness during the global health emergency highlighted the need for support structures within the imaging sector. Aim: This article focuses on the experiences of DRMMs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the management strategies they applied in response to the global health emergency. Setting: The study was conducted at a private radiology practice operating at various imaging branches in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using a case study design. Eleven DRMMs were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded via the Zoom online platform. Manual coding was performed, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified: adapting to change, challenging environment and managerial growth amid the pandemic. The DRMMs expressed the various operational management challenges they experienced, the uncertainties and doubts they had to navigate and the new skills and abilities they developed. Conclusion: The study participants experienced feeling out of control and unprepared at the start of the pandemic, but they surmounted the difficulties and grew from the experience. The recommended frameworks are designed to provide support to DRMMs during future global health emergencies. Contribution: The study demonstrated that better-structured support mechanisms for DRMMs should be in place to safeguard radiology staff members from potential adverse effects.
Background: Despite the high academic ratings of South African universities, research on burnout in academia, particularly among health professional academics, is limited. This gap in scholarly knowledge underscores the need for immediate studies in this area. Aim: The study assesses the burnout dimensions and demographics of health professional academics. Setting: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional research design was followed. Respondents were recruited via the census (n = 56). The Modified Maslach Burnout Inventory (MMBI) Likert scale questionnaire was used. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyse the data: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare mean burnout scores across multiple categorical independent variables. The chi-square test was used for associations between categorical variables. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Respondents experienced moderate levels of emotional exhaustion (EE; 46.8%), low-to-moderate levels of depersonalisation (DP; 40.4%) and moderate levels of personal accomplishment (PA; 42.6%). There is no statistically significant difference in burnout dimensions across age groups (p = EE: 0.466, DP: 0.414, PA: 0.467), gender (p = EE: 0.917, DP: 0.593, PA: 0.952), type of degree (p = EE: 0.909, DP: 0.657, PA: 0.939), academic position (p = EE: 0.982, DP: 0.907, PA: 0.430), work experience (p = EE: 0.730, DP: 0.951, PA: 0.905). Conclusion: The findings suggest that health professional academics are either at risk for burnout or are experiencing moderate levels of burnout. Contribution: Staff welfare can be improved through strategies to reduce work-related stress, provide mental health support, and promote a healthy work–life balance.
Background: According to the South African Nursing Council’s regulation R 2127, staff and auxiliary nurses must be supervised by professional nurses. This supervision is essential for quality care, leading to fewer patient complaints and higher satisfaction. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of staff nurses and auxiliary nurses on the supervision of nursing care by professional nurses in Limpopo province. Setting: The study was conducted in three selected regional hospitals located in different districts of Limpopo province: Vhembe, Mopane, and Waterberg. Methods: A qualitative approach using exploratory, descriptive, and appreciative inquiry research designs was selected to gain insights into professional nurses’ supervision of nursing care. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to choose districts, hospitals, units, and participants. Data were collected through focus group interviews with participants from paediatric, maternity, and casualty units and analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis. Results: Four themes emerged: Staff shortages, educational and training challenges, attributes of a good supervisor, and the roles and responsibilities of supervisors. Conclusion: To improve the quality of patient care outcomes and reduce patient complaints and lawsuits, professional nurses must supervise nursing care. However, the current difficulties jeopardise professional nurses’ ability to optimally supervise nursing care. Contribution: This study contributes to improving the quality of supervision of nursing care, which is aimed at achieving high patient satisfaction, reducing patient complaints and related medico-legal negligence cases. This study also demonstrates how effective supervision by registered professional nurses can enhance the knowledge and skills of both staff nurses and auxiliary nurses.
Background: Peritoneal dialysis–associated peritonitis remains a serious complication contributing to morbidity, mortality, and treatment failure among patients with end-stage kidney disease. Despite evidence-based guidelines, rising infection rates highlight the need to strengthen professional nurses’ knowledge to improve prevention based on evidence-based guidelines. Aim: To develop, implement and evaluate an educational intervention to enhance professional nurses’ knowledge regarding the prevention and management of peritonitis in renal units in Nelson Mandela Bay. Setting: Three renal units in private and public hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay. Methods: A quantitative, quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was employed. A census sample of n = 37 professional nurses was included. Baseline and post-intervention knowledge were assessed using a structured questionnaire. An educational intervention aligning with the 2022 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis peritonitis guidelines was implemented. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the assistance of a statistician. Validity and reliability were assessed, and ethical considerations were upheld. Results: Post-intervention knowledge scores improved across all domains. Statistically significant improvements were observed in knowledge related to the definition and measurement of peritonitis (p = 0.011), prevention strategies (p = 0.029), and overall knowledge (p = 0.007), with moderate effect sizes. Conclusion: A guideline-based educational intervention significantly improved professional nurses’ knowledge of key aspects of peritonitis prevention and recognition. Integrating structured, evidence-based education into renal nursing practice may enhance patient outcomes and promote safer peritoneal dialysis care. Contribution: This study provides evidence supporting targeted educational interventions to strengthen renal nursing practice and improve adherence to international peritoneal dialysis guidelines.
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging public health concern in Eswatini, with increasing prevalence among individuals with hypertension and diabetes. In primary healthcare facilities, professional nurses are essential to the early detection and management of CKD, guided by clinical practice guidelines and standardised protocols for non-communicable diseases. Aim: This study explored the experiences of nurses in implementing clinical practice guidelines for the detection and management of CKD in primary healthcare facilities in Eswatini. Setting: Nine selected primary healthcare facilities across Eswatini. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, and contextual design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 professional nurses, using purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted following Gibbs’ six-step framework, with ATLAS.ti used to support data management and organisation. Results: Three key themes and 12 sub-themes emerged from the data analysed. The three themes were: (1) nurses’ experience in implementing clinical practice guidelines, (2) training on the implementation process and the content of clinical practice guidelines, and (3) benefits of clinical practice guideline implementation. Conclusion: Investing in nurse training in clinical practice and its implementation is essential to improving the detection and management of CKD in Eswatini’s primary healthcare facilities. Contribution: The study provides valuable insights into the experiences of primary healthcare nurses implementing clinical practice guidelines for the early detection and management of CKD, shedding light on the challenges faced and opportunities to improve implementation in resource-constrained settings.
Background: The availability of evidence-informed frameworks to support learning interventions in dental radiography for diagnostic radiographers is limited. The framework used in this study was guided by participatory action research and adapted using the precede-proceed model. The framework is underpinned by social justice and systems and learning theory. Aim: This study aimed to determine and describe the application of a framework for supporting dental radiography as part of diagnostic radiography practice. Setting: Public and private radiology departments selected higher educational institutions from provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape, inclusive of members from the Radiography and Clinical Technology Board at the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Methods: A sequential mixed-methods design was used for framework development, guided by the Precede-Proceed Model. Stage 1 involved a needs assessment, which comprised a quantitative Phase 1 and a qualitative Phase 2, which included an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, respectively. Stage 2 focused on the planning and delivery of the online Continuous Professional Development programme. Stage 3 involved a post-programme quantitative questionnaire to evaluate participant feedback and learning outcomes. Results: A strength of the framework is professional resilience and adaptability, enabling adaptation to technological advances and the changing needs of patients. The framework proposes a practical way to form targeted continuous professional development (CPD) initiatives, making it valuable in resource-constrained environments. Conclusion: The framework is beneficial for supporting dental radiography training and practices and promoting equitable access to dental radiography. Contribution: This framework adds value for supporting the practice of dental radiography for the diagnostic radiographers.
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed unprecedented global health challenges, necessitating accelerated COVID-19 vaccine development. However, vaccine and booster hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) presented a barrier globally and in South Africa (SA). Aim: This study aimed to determine the level of vaccine and booster acceptance among HCWs in public, private and public-private sectors in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), SA, and to identify the key reasons of vaccine and booster acceptance and refusal. Setting: This study was conducted across KZN. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2024 to April 2025 among doctors, nurses and pharmacists using an online questionnaire. Three hundred and thirty-one HCWs participated in this study with a reliable and standardised questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Relevant ethics committees and participants provided ethical approval. Results: Average vaccine acceptance rate for vaccine and booster was 92.4% (n = 306) and 73.7% (n = 244), respectively. Public-private recorded the highest acceptance rates for vaccine (96.3%) and booster (85.1%). Primary reasons for vaccine refusal included vaccine-related illness in family (52.4%, n = 11) and rapid development and safety concerns (64%, n = 16), predominantly among private sector. Main booster refusal reasons included safety of multiple booster doses (50%, n = 32) and antibodies from previous COVID-19 infection, mostly in the public sector. Conclusion: Addressing complex determinants of vaccine hesitancy across healthcare sectors necessitates an integrated and sustained approach reinforced by multidisciplinary stakeholder engagement. Contribution: This study contributes to future pandemic preparedness and vaccination programmes by elucidating reasons influencing vaccine acceptance and refusal among HCWs.
