Managing collaboration between traditional health practitioners and western health practitioners in mental health care practice

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ABSTRACT

  • 1Masola NJ,
  • 2Maotoana RM
  • 1Department of Psychology, School of Medicine, SMU
  • 2Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Limpopo

Background

A significant proportion of South Africa's Black population seek medical attention from both the Traditional and Western healthcare systems. Traditional health practitioners are consulted by many Black Africans for the treatment of culturally bounded health problems. However, there is limited understanding of how to manage the coexistence of Traditional and Western Healthcare Systems in South Africa, despite government effort to recognise Traditional health practitioners.

Method

The study adopted a qualitative research approach and the exploratory descriptive design. A sample of thirty-seven (37) participants were selected as using purposive and snowballing techniques. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and it was subjected to thematic content analysis.

Result

Four key themes emerged from the study with eight sub-themes. The primary themes include: (1) The formation of an organisation and formal registration of traditional health providers; (2) Mutual understanding; (3) Recognition and Equal Status in Collaboration; and (4) Spirituality in Traditional healing practices

Conclusion

Participants believe that if the healthcare system can be monitored and governed efficiently, the cooperation among practitioners could smoothly facilitate increased collaborations between the two health systems. This study adds to the existing studies about the relevance of the relationship between South Africa’s two healthcare systems. In a similar way, the study may also be of utility to policymakers and psychology practitioners.
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PRESENTING AUTHOR

Dr. Nare Judy Masola, B.Psych, MA. Psych, PhD Psych (UL)

Lecturer, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Dr NJ Masola is a lecturer at SMU, department of psychology. She holds PhD in Psychology from University of Limpopo. She currently coordinates the departmental research and publications committee in the department of psychology, SMU. Her research interest and publications focus primarily on African centred psychology, culture and mental health, and medical psychology.
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