Lived experiences of nurses regarding shortage of medical equipment and supplies in primary healthcare facilities in Makhado Municipality

Abstract

Introduction: There is a critical decline in the availability of functioning medical equipment and supplies in developing countries. The World Health Organisation revealed that in the African countries including South Africa approximately 50-80% of medical equipment is not working, resulting in failure to provide quality care to patients by nurses. This study aimed to determine the lived experiences of nurses regarding shortage of medical equipment and supplies in Primary Health Care facilities in Makhado Municipality of the Vhembe District. Methods: A qualitative, phenomenological design was used. The population was composed of all registered professional nurses working in primary health care facilities in Makhado Municipality. A nonprobability purposive sampling method was used to select 20 registered professional nurses, four from each PHC facility, however, sample size was determined by data saturation. A purposive sampling method was used to select five PHC facilities from Makhado Municipality. Data was collected through face-to-face unstructured interviews, which were audio-taped after obtaining permission from participants; observational and field notes were also taken. Voice recordings were transcribed and inductive coding was used for data analysis, using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software programs. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. Ethical clearance certificate was obtained, ethical recruitment of subjects ensured, informed consent was obtained, participation was voluntary, while anonymity and confidentiality were ensured. Results: Challenges related to shortage of medical equipment and supplies were identified; these had resulted in failure to provide quality nursing services. Contributory factors to shortage of medical equipment and supplies were also identified. Shortage of resources does not only negatively affected nurses’ performance but also their personal lives. Recommendations: Further research should be conducted on the same research topic; however, it should be conducted in a different setting to generate more comprehensive knowledge about the problem. The logistics personnel responsible for the maintenance and servicing of medical equipment must service the equipment as per protocol to avoid malfunctions.