Patients' perceptions of their first homoeopathic consultation at Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic

Abstract

Brief background The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Department of Homoeopathy in collaboration with Lifeline established a clinic in 2004 located in Warwick Junction, Durban, an area classified as being disadvantaged. The Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) serves as a free primary health care service on the third floor of the Lifeline building in Acorn Road, Warwick Junction, less than one kilometer from the main DUT campus. Aim of the study The study aimed to determine the perceptions of patients after their first Homoeopathic consultation and their satisfaction with service delivery at UNHCC and to assess patients’ knowledge about Homoeopathy. Methodology A quantitative, descriptive, cross sectional study design was used to guide the study. The first 50 new consenting patients were selected using convenience sampling, and answered a self-administered survey questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Excel software and differences between groups were tested using the student t-test. Results The results of the study showed a very high degree of satisfaction with the health care and the service provided. The results also showed that the majority of respondents attended the clinic as a result of the blood pressure drives held by students during the clinic sessions (Monday mornings and afternoons and Thursday afternoons). It is recommended that future studies be of a qualitative nature and with a larger sample size. It is also recommended that the facility be operational on all weekdays which would result in an increase in the patient numbers and would enable further research studies.