Building capacity for antiretroviral delivery in South Africa: A qualitative evaluation of the PALSA PLUS nurse training programme
2008

Evaluating Nurse Training for Antiretroviral Delivery in South Africa

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Stein J, Lewin S, Fairall L, Mayers P, English R, Bheekie A, Bateman E, Zwarenstein M

Primary Institution: University of Cape Town Lung Institute

Hypothesis

Does the PALSA PLUS training improve the delivery of antiretroviral treatment by nurses in South Africa?

Conclusion

The PALSA PLUS training effectively engaged all primary health care nurses in a comprehensive approach to managing various illnesses, including HIV/AIDS.

Supporting Evidence

  • Nurse uptake of PALSA PLUS training was high.
  • Ongoing on-site training provided emotional and operational support to nurses.
  • Training all nurses facilitated better integration of HIV/AIDS care within clinics.

Takeaway

This study shows that training all nurses, not just those focused on HIV, helps them provide better care for patients with HIV and other illnesses.

Methodology

Qualitative methods including participant observation, focus group discussions, and interviews were used to evaluate the training.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be generalizable to other settings, and it focused only on nurse perceptions without observing actual practice changes.

Participant Demographics

Nurses involved in the ART programme across various clinics in the Free State province.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-8-240

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication