Table 2 Perceived advantages and disadvantages of down-referral as mentioned by focus groups
From: A study of patient attitudes towards decentralisation of HIV care in an urban clinic in South Africa
Advantages | Number of focus groups | Disadvantages | Number of focus groups |
|---|---|---|---|
Proximity to clinics | 8 | Stigma | 10 |
Transport savings for patients | 8 | Poor service at clinics | 9 |
Necessity, owing to patient load at tertiary hospital | 7 | Inadequate drug supply | 9 |
Time savings for patients | 4 | Preference for access to doctors | 9 |
Respectful/helpful nurses at clinics | 3 | Lack of professionalism of nurses | 7 |
| Â | Â | Convenience of hospital | 6 |
| Â | Â | Fear of mistreatment at clinics | 6 |
| Â | Â | Familiarity with health-care workers at tertiary hospital | 5 |
| Â | Â | No time saving attending clinic | 4 |
| Â | Â | No transport saving attending clinic | 4 |