Perceptions of indigenous health practitioners regarding collaborating with medical practitioners in a selected Municipality of the Umkhanyakude District in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Background: Significant percentage of South Africa’s black population, in areas like the uMkhanyakude District, a largely rural and socio-economically vulnerable region, utilise the services of indigenous health practitioners before, or in parallel with, medical practitioners. However, African Indigenous Health Practitioners and Medical Practitioners continue to operate in isolation, despite legislative recognition of both types of healing. Such isolated functioning of the two practitioners resulted from the lack of clear guidance and understanding on how to manage the coexistence of indigenous health system and Western healthcare systems in South Africa, despite government efforts to recognise Indigenous Health Practitioners. The purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of Indigenous Health Practitioners regarding collaborating with Medical Practitioners in a selected municipality of the uMkhanyakude district in KwaZulu-Natal Setting: This study was conducted in the Mtubatuba Municipality of the uMkhanyakude district, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Methods: Qualitative approach was adopted, and exploratory design was used. Thirty-two participants participated in a Lekgotla meeting that was conducted using the Lekgotla interview guide. In this study, participants’ responses (views, expressions, and opinions) were analysed using content analysis as a method and Tesch’s eight-step approach guided the process Results: Five key themes emerged: (1) Nature of collaboration, (2) Challenges with collaboration, (3) Enhancing collaboration, (4) Attitudes and emotions towards iv collaboration and (5) Practical aspects of collaboration. Furthermore, the findings of this study revealed that most Indigenous Health Practitioners were positive and willing to continue with collaboration, while others expressed challenges attached to emotions. Most Indigenous Health Practitioners were concerned about the practicality of collaboration but had positive attitudes, while a few had negative attitudes. Conclusion: Currently, the two healthcare practitioners are not working collaboratively in an optimal manner. Participants noted that effective collaboration can be achieved through having regular general meetings, practising cross-referrals, and building relationships between Indigenous Health Practitioners and Medical Practitioners through open communication, discussion of treatment plans for clients, and having joint training sessions to enhance common understanding.