Abstract
Background: Teamwork and collaboration among nursing managers, nurses, doctors and
peripheral hospitals treating mining patients is pivotal. A case study of specific mining primary
healthcare clinics revealed a lack of teamwork among the doctors and nursing managers, even
on decisions that show productivity.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore and describe nursing managers’ perceptions
of teamwork and collaboration in mining primary healthcare clinics in Gauteng.
Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was adopted to
conduct this study. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured individual interviews
with 10 participants and thematically analysed. Data saturation was reached by the seventh
participant and confirmed with three more interviews. Trustworthiness measures and ethical
considerations were preserved as protocols because of the nature of the study.
Results: Three themes emanated from the study: (1) team coordination and support improve
teamwork and collaboration in primary healthcare clinics, (2) there is a lack of involvement
from the nursing team, negatively influencing teamwork and collaboration and (3) collaboration
can improve the quality of healthcare services rendered in mining primary healthcare clinics.
Conclusion: All mining primary healthcare clinic team members should be involved in
operational activities to foster teamwork and collaboration.
Contribution: This study revealed that teamwork and collaboration should be facilitated to
improve the quality of healthcare service in mining primary healthcare clinics.