title: Exploring task-shifting practices in antiretroviral treatment facilities in the Free State Province, South Africa.
abstract: There is good progress with the implementation of South Africa's antiretroviral treatment program. The country, however, faces human resource shortages that could be addressed through appropriate task shifting. During 2009, we studied task shifting from nurses to community health workers (CHWs) for HIV treatment and care at 12 primary health-care clinics in Free State Province, South Africa. We found inefficiency in nurse deployment, and nurses spent considerable time on training, counseling, and administrative tasks that could be shifted to CHWs. Such a shift will require the South African Ministry of Health to recognize CHWs formally in the health system.
authors: Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of the Free State, South Africa, IB 39, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa. dewetk@ufs.ac.za
authors: Katinka
authors: K
authors: de Wet
authors: Edwin
authors: E
authors: Wouters
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Engelbrecht
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014941:Work Simplification
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents