Registered nurses' perceptions regarding nurse-led antiretroviral therapy initiation in Hhohho region, Swaziland

Mavhandu-Mudzusi, A.H., Sandy, Peter T and Hettema, A. (2017) Registered nurses' perceptions regarding nurse-led antiretroviral therapy initiation in Hhohho region, Swaziland. International Nursing Review, 64 (4). pp. 552-560. ISSN 00208132

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Abstract

Background Swaziland has the highest HIV prevalence globally. It faces a critical shortage of health workers for addressing the HIV pandemic. To curb this human resource challenge, Swaziland adopted a nurse‐driven model for antiretroviral therapy delivery in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization on task shifting. Objective The study explored the perceptions of registered nurses on the nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme in the Hhohho region of Swaziland (NARTIS). Design The study utilized a phenomenological design, specifically a phenomenographic design. Setting The study was conducted in ten health facilities in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. These facilities comprised eight clinics, a hospital and a health centre. Participants These were registered nurses, trained and certified in the nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme. The nurses also had experience of working in a nurse‐led antiretroviral therapy initiation programme. Eighteen (18) nurses were purposively selected and recruited to participate in the study. Methods Data were collected through open and deep individual interviews guided by a semi‐structured interview schedule. The audio‐recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically using Sjöström and Dahlgren's approach to data analysis. Results Three major themes emerged from the study data: nurses' emotional reactions to the implementation of the NARTIS programme, and influences and overcoming barriers to the programme. Conclusions The study findings have generated insights into this program which is useful for the provision of care to people living with HIV/AIDS in Swaziland. But nurses need support to ensure effective implementation. Implication for nursing and health policy The study findings have implications for both the practice of the NARTIS programme and health policy development. The development of a health policy that alleviates the barriers to the NARTIS programme can enhance nurses' role and make care provision to people living with HIV/AIDS more effective.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Developing Countries Health System Reform, HIV/AIDS, Nurse‐Led Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation, Nursing Shortage Phenomenograpy, Primary Care, Swaziland
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	08 Mar 2021 08:55
Last Modified:	08 Mar 2021 08:55
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18208

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