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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on the Implementation of the Ward-based Outreach Team Program in Gauteng Province

The Open Public Health Journal 10 December 2024 RESEARCH ARTICLE DOI: 10.2174/0118749445357264241204173053

Abstract

Background

The epidemic Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has led to changes in healthcare delivery systems globally, affecting the Ward-based Outreach Team (WBOT) program.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the implementation of the ward-based outreach team program by Community Health Workers (CHWs).

Methods

A qualitative design was adopted to conduct In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with CHWs implementing the WBOT program in the northern subdistrict of Ekurhuleni. A purpose-oriented sampling technique was used to select participants for IDIs.

Results

The study included nine health facilities linked to 47 wards. The findings of the study revealed four main themes: fear and denied access during COVID-19, the impact of COVID-19 on CHW's role, psychological impact, and perceived socioeconomic impact as a result of COVID-19. The results of this study showed the perception of CHWs of the displaced community during the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact of the lockdown on their role.

Conclusion

The results of this qualitative study showed the impact of the outbreak on the role of CHWs, the fear of COVID-19 in the communities, stress and fear of the disease, and the perception of CHWs of the displaced community by the disease. Despite the challenges posed by the outbreak, the ward-based outreach program has continued to play a vital role in delivering essential healthcare services to communities. These findings can be used as an input for decision-making when developing strategies to optimize CHWs implementation.

Keywords: COVID-19, Community health workers, Ward-based outreach team program, Households, Families, Outreach programs, Community.
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