Factors influencing patient waiting time at Nthabiseng Clinic in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province

Abstract

Post-apartheid South Africa’s healthcare system improved with many community members being able to easily access basic health care services. However, patient waiting time has remained a critical issue. Patients are well-known for arriving at healthcare facilities very early for the reason of avoiding lengthy queues. This, however, does not solve their problem. The purpose of the study was to explore factors influencing patient waiting time in Nthabiseng clinic in the Capricorn district of the Limpopo Province. The study was conducted at Nthabiseng clinic in the Capricorn District. A qualitative approach was adopted, and a sample was chosen from a targeted population through purposive sampling. Data were collected through a one-to-one semi-structured interview and analysed through the Thematic Data Analysis approach. The study found out that the Department of Health does not have a patient waiting time specific policy or legislative framework and/or a guiding document. It also showed that healthcare professionals define and calculate patient waiting time differently. Moreover, what is an acceptable waiting time to one is an unacceptable waiting time to another. The study recommended that a policy and Standard Operation Procedure be drafted to guide healthcare professionals on how to improve waiting time in their specific facilities.