Human Resource Development and Antiretroviral Treatment in Free State, South Africa
Author Information
Author(s): van Rensburg Dingie HCJ, Steyn Francois, Schneider Helen, Loffstadt Les
Primary Institution: Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of Free State, South Africa
Hypothesis
How has the health system mobilized essential human resources for ART and to what extent is the aim of overall system strengthening through the ART programme being achieved?
Conclusion
The introduction of the ART programme has revealed both strengths and weaknesses of human resource development in one province of South Africa.
Supporting Evidence
- Nearly 80% of new professional nurse posts were filled by nurses transferring from other programmes.
- The vacancy rate of nurse ART posts was significantly lower than that of other posts in the primary health care system.
- By November 2006, 97 (85%) of the 115 professional nurse posts allocated to the ART programme had been filled.
Takeaway
This study looks at how South Africa is trying to get enough nurses to help people with HIV treatment. They found that many nurses moved from other jobs instead of new nurses being hired.
Methodology
The study involved an audit of professional nurse posts, repeated surveys of facilities providing ART, and secondary data analysis of government personnel databases.
Potential Biases
The study may be biased due to the reliance on data from government personnel databases and the specific context of the Free State.
Limitations
The findings are specific to one province and may not be generalizable to other provinces or countries.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on professional nurses involved in the ART programme in the Free State.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website