BACKGROUND The District Health Information System was developed in South Africa to collect aggregated routine data from public health facilities. In Amajuba District, KwaZulu-Natal, ward-based data collection has been initiated to facilitate improved responsiveness to community health needs and improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. AIM To assess the application of the municipal wa...

This study explores inpatients' experiences of ward rounds. Eight patients on an acute admissions ward were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Data was analysed using content analysis. The findings showed satisfaction with the ward-round process, but participants identified issues that could be improved upon, with some expressing feelings of fear and intimidation. A number of partic...

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of using a disinfectant mat filled with a peroxygen compound to prevent mechanical transmission of bacteria via contaminated footwear between the food animal ward and common breezeway of a veterinary teaching hospital. DESIGN Observational study. SAMPLE POPULATION Shoe soles of individuals entering and exiting from the ward. PROCEDURES A mat filled...

BACKGROUND Peer-assisted learning (PAL) has become a well-accepted teaching method within medical education. However, descriptions of on-ward PAL programs are rare. A focus group analysis of a newly established PAL program on an internal medicine ward was conducted to provide insights into PAL teaching from a student perspective. PURPOSE To provide insights into students' experiences regardin...