Table 4 Summary of generated themes and codes/nodes
Thematic categories | Organising codes |
|---|---|
Predisposition to self-refer | |
Understanding of healthcare delivery | First point of call: PHC facility Secondary health facility |
Role of PHC facility: An alternative facility to the secondary facility Closer to the people First aid and educational role Occasional and specific services | |
Role of secondary health facility: Perceived as a process Referral facility Wider range of medical services | |
Enablers to self-refer | |
Access to the healthcare facility | Distance |
Opening and closing hours | |
Service fees at secondary facility | |
Socio-economic status | |
Waiting time | |
Advice from friends, relatives and others | Influenced by relatives Influenced by friends |
Expectations of service-users | Negative attitude from staff at PHC |
Time wasting going to PHC facility | |
Lacked trust for healthcare providers in PHC Need for supervision of the facilities | |
Government regulations (policies) | |
Role of equipment or facilities | Absence of equipment or facilities at the PHC facilities |
Availability of basic equipment at the secondary healthcare facilities | |
Lack of investigation prior treatment at PHC | |
Role of healthcare providers | Trained and qualified staff |
Lack of staff Level of knowledge of the staff at PHC facility | |
Presence of doctors at the secondary facility | |
Need to self-refer | |
Level of severity | Mild |
Severe | |
Symptoms | Tiredness, stomach ache, feverish feeling, headaches |