Experiences of Managers and Healthcare Personnel Involved in a Functional Healthcare Public Private Partnership

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of managers and healthcare personnel involved in a functional healthcare public private partnership (PPP) in a semi-rural area situated in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Data on how managers and healthcare personnel experienced their involvement with a functional healthcare PPP in the operational phase were collected from medical and non-medical participants from the administration, facility maintenance, and hospital departments (n = 9, females = 56%, public sector = 44%). The data were thematically analysed. Findings suggest that PPPs result in improved healthcare delivery standards as well as mutual benefits for both partners. Identified facilitators were: good communication and relationships, support from authorities, and perseverance and commitment. Lack of leadership, lack of skills, and attitude (non-compliance, negative attitudes) were identified barriers towards PPPs. PPPs have the potential to enable the public healthcare services in their efficiency.

Keywords:

• Public private partnerships
• operational phase
• managers
• public health sector
• private health sector