Perceptions of specialists in the public sector, on the role and value of family medicine

Abstract

Background: Family medicine (FM) is often perceived to be a ‘lesser’ speciality compared with other disciplines, despite its importance as a generalist  discipline in the healthcare system. Family physicians (FPs) provide comprehensive care at the district level and act as a gatekeeper for patient’s upward  referral to other specialists. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of healthcare specialists other than FPs involved in registrar training regarding  FM at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (SA).

Methods: This was a qualitative study, with seven consultants, other than FPs, who worked at three public sector regional hospitals using purposive sampling. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed  verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results: Four themes emerged (perception of FM as a medical speciality, role of FPs in the healthcare system and  proposed National Health Insurance, FM registrars rotating in units and the scope of their training and how to improve the perceptions of FM by other  specialities). Family medicine was regarded as a major and relevant specialist field with a significant contribution to make in advancing patients’ care. The  country’s healthcare system is yet to make the best use of the FM specialist’s role in improving quality of care.

Conclusion: The perceptions of FM from  other specialists were generally positive and reinforced its importance in facilitating improved healthcare in SA. These specialists have high regard for FM  and emphasised the large responsibility of practitioners.