Tuberculosis in the community: 2. The perceptions of members of a tuberculosis health team towards a voluntary health worker programme.

SETTING

A voluntary community health worker programme, in the Western Cape, South Africa, utilizing volunteers to administer directly observed therapy to tuberculosis (TB) patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the perceptions of health team members regarding the voluntary community health worker project.

DESIGN

A qualitative, participatory research study utilizing focus groups.

RESULTS

TB was perceived by the health team to be a stigmatized disease causing some patients to be reluctant to be associated with the TB control programme. Despite the project's dedicated approach to case-holding, volunteers expressed the need to develop skills in providing more comprehensive care. The volunteers appear to administer a more personalized service to TB patients and can bridge the gap between TB patients and the health agency.

CONCLUSION

Sustained evaluation and support seem to be a vital tool in integrating a volunteer project into a health team approach. Its effectiveness appears to depend to a large degree on the people involved.