A framework for continuous quality improvement for fast-track queues in clinics in eThekwini

Abstract

This book explores primary health care users who visit the clinic for short consultations, those who regularly come to collect medication for chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS, clients for family planning and babies coming for routine weight monitoring, immunisation and routine prophylactic treatment. Since these health care users come for short consultations, the research investigates where the bottlenecks in the clinic queues resulted in long waiting times and if these consultations were of expected quality. This book arose from the author's own experience working in a primary health care setting focused on the challenges faced by patients. This book will add to the body of knowledge and management of health care users, as this book offers practical recommendations that are tailormade for specific health care users, to be implemented by primary health care providers and settings. Furthermore, the country is faced with a burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. New strategies are required to address the ever-changing disease pattern and the rapidly growing populations.