• Lynn Smith, Heather Morris-Eyton, Habib Noorbhai, and Yoga Coopoo.
• University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Sport and Movement Studies.
• Afr Health Sci. 2021 Sep 1; 21 (3): 128212901282-1290.

BackgroundResource allocation and access to comprehensive treatment in the public healthcare sector are always under pressure. This pressure takes the form of staff shortages, treatment models and the holistic care of patients, compromising basic healthcare in South Africa.ObjectivesThe study's aim was to determine the challenges that healthcare practitioners experience while assessing patients with non-communicable diseases, in private and public healthcare sectors in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.MethodsThe research design was exploratory and contextual. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews among healthcare practitioners (n = 12). Data analysis took place using Atlas.ti 8.4 Windows (2020). Inter-rater reliability (r = 93.68%) was calculated to ensure the rigour and validity of the results.ResultsFrom the discussion, four themes emerged: 1) limited consultation time; 2) overwhelming economic impact and healthcare cost for facilities and patients; 3) holistic patient care encompassing physical, mental and socioeconomic components; and 4) lack of patient education due to time constraints experienced by healthcare practitioners.ConclusionConsultation times are reduced due to a shortage of medical staff, patient numbers, equipment, and poor working conditions. By improving these conditions, patients across all socioeconomic groups will be better assisted, treated, and educated, benefiting from equal access and quality healthcare.© 2021 Smith L et al.

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