Abstract
BACKGROUND- In South Africa (SA), Primary Health Care (PHC) forms the basis for health service delivery. As such, Primary Health Care Clinics PHCCs) remain the first point of contact for the majority South Africans accessing public health services. Whilst many of these PHC clinics have been established within communities and regions in Gauteng, few include Podiatrists as part of their staff compliments.
METHODS- This prospective mixed-method study investigated the need for, and potential role of, Podiatrists as members of the PHC team. Quantitative data were collected and analysed from a sample of 1077 patients presenting for routine consultation at two local PHC Clinics, and qualitative data were gathered from the focus group discussion held with nurses from the two clinics.
RESULTS- The results highlighted that as much as 18% of patients presenting to these clinics had a chief pathology related to the foot or lower limb. Furthermore, a significant number of patients with common systemic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis were noted to also have concomitant foot pathologies. Focus group discussions held with primary health care nurses highlighted significant challenges relating to management of foot complaints, these included problems with referral pathways and a lack of training, confidence and time to effectively assess their patient’s feet...
M.Tech. (Podiatry)