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 |
| Convenience of hospital | 6 | ||
| Fear of mistreatment at clinics | 6 | ||
| Familiarity with health-care workers at tertiary hospital | 5 | ||
| No time saving attending clinic | 4 | ||
| No transport saving attending clinic | 4 |