THE EXPERIENCES OF REGISTERED NURSES WORKING IN RURAL PUBLIC PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES OF DISTRICT BAJAUR, KPK, PAKISTAN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction/ Background

Primary healthcare centers play a significant role in improving the access to health and sufficiently equipping these facilities is important for proper functioning of these centers. This could be identified through teams working in these settings. This research navigated it through nurses being the core members in the team.

Objective

Aim was to explore the challenges experienced by the registered nurses providing health care services to patients at the rural primary health care facilities in district Bajaur, Pakistan.

Methodology Qualitative descriptive exploratory research design was employed in this study and the research setting was three public primary hospitals in district Bajaur Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The population was registered nurses who had more than one year of experience at the primary healthcare facilities. Twelve participants were selected through a purposive sampling method. Semi structure in-depth interviews conducted in-person were audio recorded and were analyzed though content analysis into different themes. Results

Challenges experienced by nurses was the theme with five sub-themes (i) shortage of workforce and other resources, (ii) patient care and clinical challenges, (iii) security and safety concerns, (iv) climate change, and (v) strategies to improve primary healthcare. Each of these sub-themes had corresponding categories.

Conclusion In Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the primary healthcare system remains significantly underdeveloped. The government must prioritize the establishment and

improvement of primary health setups on an urgent basis, ensuring that essential healthcare services are readily available for the communities. It is imperative to invest in infrastructure development, safety and security measures, and increase the healthcare workforce.