Patients' experiences in the use of mobile health clinics in KwaMachi rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: A study was conducted to evaluate the role of mobile health clinics (MHCs) in providing healthcare services in rural areas, focusing on the population of KwaMachi in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The objective of the study was to explore the level of health promotion and health-seeking behaviour in KwaMachi, understand the services provided by the MHCs, and assess the experiences of individuals accessing healthcare through these clinics. Methods: The study used qualitative research methods, including face-to-face interviews and focused group discussions. A sample of 20 patients, with equal representation of males and females across different age groups, was selected using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Two themes were developed: positive experiences and negative experiences. The collected data was analyzed using manual thematic analysis. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that MHCs serve as the main entry point to the national healthcare system in rural areas, but they offer limited services, which contributes to the ongoing struggle of rural communities to access primary healthcare. While respondents generally had positive experiences with MHCs, some negative aspects need to be addressed. These included concerns about privacy during consultations, the unavailability of essential medications, limited services offered, lack of doctors, and inadequate management of clinical records leading to diagnostic inaccuracies. Conclusion: The study highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare services and the role of MHCs in addressing these challenges Based on these findings, the study concludes that there is a need for sustainable MHC programs that address the specific needs and preferences of the local population. Recommendations: These insights are of value to policymakers seeking to enhance the impact of MHCs in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural areas. By looking at areas of improvement in the services provided by MHCs, including addressing privacy concerns, ensuring the availability of essential medications, and improving the management of clinical records. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers to enhance the effectiveness of MHC programs in rural areas.