Development of Family Medicine training in Botswana : views of key stakeholders in Ngamiland : original research

Background: Family Medicine training commenced in Botswana in 2011, and Maun was one of the two sites chosen as a training complex. If it is to be successful there has to be investment in the training programme by all stakeholders in health-care delivery in the district. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the attitudes of stakeholders to initiation of Family Medicine training and their perspectives on the future roles of family physicians in Ngami district, Botswana. Setting: Maun and the surrounding Ngami sub-district of Botswana. Methods: Thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected key stakeholders in the district health services. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using the framework method. Results: Participants welcomed the development of Family Medicine training in Maun and expect that this will result in improved quality of primary care. Participants expect the registrars and family physicians to provide holistic health care that is of higher quality andexpertise than currently experienced, relevant research into the health needs of the community, and reduced need for referrals. Inadequate personal welfare facilities, erratic ancillary support services and an inadequate complement of mentors and supervisors for the programme were some of the gaps and challenges highlighted by participants. Conclusion: Family Medicine training is welcomed by stakeholders in Ngamiland. With proper planning introduction of the family physician in the district is expected to result in improvement of primary care. Lancement d'une Formation en Médecine familiale au Botswana: Points de vue des principales parties prenantes au Ngamiland. Contexte: On a commencé la Formation en Médecine familiale au Botswana en 2011, et Maun était l'un des deux sites choisis comme centre de formation. Pour que le projet réussisse il faut que tous les acteurs des prestations de soins de santé de la région s'investissent dans le programme de formation. Objectif: L'étude avait pour but d'examiner les attitudes des parties prenantes envers le lancement d'une formation en médecine familiale et leurs points de vue concernant le futur rôle des médecins de famille dans le district de Ngami, au Botswana. Lieu: Maun et le sous-district avoisinant de Ngami au Botswana. Méthodes: On a effectué des entrevues avec des intervenants clé expressément sélectionnés parmi les services de santé du district. On a enregistré, transcrit et analysé les données suivant la mét