Abstract:
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for patients to play an
active role in their healthcare in order to improve the quality of care
delivery. However, there is limited research on provider perceptions of
the role of the patient during a medical encounter in an HIV setting in
Sub-Saharan Africa. This qualitative study was conducted between
September 2014 and August 2015. Sixty healthcare providers were
recruited using convenience sampling methods from three sites (Moi
Teaching and Referral Hospital, Webuye and Busia) within the Academic
Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) HIV care and
treatment program. In-depth interviews were conducted in either
Swahili or English, transcribed and translated if necessary into English.
Data was analysed thematically. Provider expectations were mainly
influenced by their professional role. Despite this variance, providers
expect patients to communicate openly during their clinical encounters.
Overall, there was a shift in provider expectations of the patient from a
traditional paternalistic role to a more active role. This study provides
valuable insight into provider expectations of patients during medical
encounters in HIV settings. Findings from this study may contribute to
developing appropriate interventions for providers as well as to design
patient empowerment initiatives.