Challenges facing professional nurses implementing the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness programme in rural primary health care clinics, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Under-five mortality and morbidity could be reduced through increased implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy. The aim of the study was to determine challenges facing IMCI-trained professional nurses on implementing this strategy when managing children less than 5 years of age.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive survey method was used. The target populations were IMCI-trained professional nurses with the sample of 208 respondents. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires and analysed using statistical analysis system software.

Results: The implementation of the IMCI strategy by IMCI-trained professional nurses in Vhembe primary health care (PHC) clinics continues to face challenges, making it difficult for professional nurses to follow guidelines. These challenges range from staff barriers, management barriers, poor management process and poor infrastructure. All these challenges lead to poor-quality under-five patient care.

Conclusion: Regardless of the IMCI strategy being implemented since its inception in 1999, the under-five mortality remains not reduced. This is related to the identified challenges facing the IMCI-trained professional nurses implementing the strategy.