Loadshedding-related challenges experienced by nurses regarding the provision of health care services at selected Primary Health Care facilities in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Load shedding, a tactic employed by Eskom to regulate electricity consumption, presents substantial obstacles to healthcare provision in South Africa, specifically in Primary health care facilities. The health sector in South Africa is heavily dependent on electricity to power medical equipment. When electricity is suddenly cut off during loadshedding, patients’ lives are at risk, also putting nurses in a difficult position as they are unable to provide health care. This study investigated the challenges of load shedding on nurses employed in Primary health care facilities in Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used qualitative research methodology. In this study, Exploratory, descriptive, and contextual approaches were used. The Participants were chosen to take part in the study using non-probability, convenience sampling, depending on the availability of nurses. The main data collection tool was an interview guide. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. The following themes and subthemes emerged from the findings: Equipment malfunction, disruption of medical procedure, psychological impact on nurses, medication storage and integrity, increased mortality rate, and poor network and the strategies to mitigate loadshedding-related challenges, which include supplying backup generators, limiting the opening of fridges, storing more oxygen cylinders, and ensuring that care facilities' lines are not affected by loadshedding. Measures to ensure trustworthiness, which include credibility, conformability, and dependability, were applied. The researcher ensured that research ethics were considered, including informed consent, permission to conduct the study, confidentiality, beneficence, and privacy. The researcher recommends that the Department of Health implement some or all strategies listed by nurses to mitigate the impact of loadshedding. Findings will be presented at a research conference, published in journal articles, and available in the department of health institutions.