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Accumulation of selected nutrients and heavy metals in the Khubelu river catchment, Mokhotlong, Lesotho
Full text linkThesis (Master of Environmental Management)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Water is essential to all life forms. It is a fundamental enabler of socio- economic development and essential for maintenance of ecological integrity. A good quality water is therefore, a necessity to achieve all these sustainable pillars, thus calls for global, continental, regional as well as national communities to protect water resources against pollution. Freshwater sources are naturally scarce and not evenly distributed across the globe hence pollution and drought further reduce freshwater availability.
Presence of contaminants in freshwater systems is therefore, undesirable and necessitates all concerned and affected parties to act decisively to minimise the impacts. Close monitoring and studies on aquatic environmental pollutants are key more especially in areas like Khubelu River Catchment (KRC) where diamond mining and construction of large storage dams occur in close proximity. This study, therefore, seeks to determine levels of selected nutrients and heavy metals in the KRC, identify point and non-point sources of pollution as well as to evaluate possible impacts on the environment.
These objectives were achieved through use of various analytical methods. The flow injection analysis was used in analysing for ammonia, ion chromatography for nitrates and nitrites analysis and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry for selected heavy metals. The results indicated the concentration of nitrates/nitrites as N in the range from 0.13 – 167 mg/L i and 0 – 67.8 mg/L during dry and wet seasons respectively. Ammonia as N ranged from 0.17 – 1.89 mg/L and 0.15 – 0.68 mg/L in the dry and wet season respectively. Copper levels ranged from 0.039 – 0.219 mg/L and 0.011 – 0.029 in the dry and wet season respectively. Cadmium, arsenic and mercury were not detected in both sampling seasons whereas lead and chromium were only detected during dry season. The levels of lead ranged from 0 – 0.020 mg/L and that of chromium were found to lie between 0 and 0.046 mg/L.
Based on point and non-point sources, all the heavy metals detected were found to be non-point with the geology of an area supporting their natural occurrence. The nitrates and nitrites on the other hand proved to be mainly point sources because they were highest at Patising stream which carries some effluent from Letseng diamond slime dams. The downstream concentration levels confirm these as they are higher than the upstream levels. The presence of these nutrients upstream also confirms some contribution by land use activities such as animal droppings and crop farming as well as organic fertilisers thus minor component can be attributed to non-point sources. Ammonia is also distributed across all the sapling locations but highest at Patising still confirming the influence by the mine. Its presence in the upstream also confirms some contribution from non-point sources and natural processes of ammonia cycle. The results obtained in the present study indicated that there was a definite pollution in the Khubelu River Catchment with respect to HMs and nutrients studied. Land use activities around the catchment were the route source of this pollution particularly nutrients because heavy metals proved to occur naturally within the KRC and the geology of the area supported that. These HMs (Pb, Cu & Cr) and nutrients (NO3-, NO2- & NH3) can have serious health implications for both human beings and biota. It is therefore recommended that appropriate joint monitoring programme by the Departments of Environment and Water Affairs be done in order to minimise the possible impacts.
Detailed river health study that will investigate all drivers and response factors be done to evaluate all possible migration routes of these HMs and their impacts. Another study on determination of HMs in fish tissues such as liver and kidney might be helpful to investigate possible bioaccumulation effects of these HMs. Public health study on Patising community to investigate residents’ health status with respect to the pollution in the catchment might be of importance. It might also worth investigating how the Patising stream might have impacted on the livestock of the community residing in the area because my observation and through communication with an area chief is that, the stream is no longer used for portable water instead the community uses water from the upstream confluence of Khubelu River and Patising
The use of market intelligence to improve market performance of retail SMMEs in Ccape Town
Full text linkThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019The understanding of consumer’s needs and competitor’s activities, strategies and techniques is useful for the identification of marketing opportunities – aspects of market performance determination. But with growing consumer demand for improved product quality and increased competition, the use of market intelligence to understand needs, activities and strategies of consumers and competitors is needful for SMMEs. Objective: This study presents argument for the use of market intelligence to determine market performance through the understanding of needs, activities and strategies of consumers and competitors. Prior Work: Previous studies provided evidence that the marketing environment is both complex and dynamic with challenges and opportunities – supports the use of market intelligence and its positive impact on business performance. Methodology: This study adopted a positivist paradigm and utilised survey method to collect quantitative data from 30 purposive randomly selected respondents from retail SMMEs in Cape Town central district. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study found lack of understanding of market intelligence benefits amongst respondents with limited use to improve performance. Implications: The market performance and the understanding of market dynamics and complexities would be improved with training and development of retail SMME owners and managers in the use of market intelligence. Value: The understanding of SMMEs ability to use market intelligence is important for policy and strategic intervention to support and promote SMMEs development initiative and programme for success, economic growth and job creation
Actors affecting financial sustainability of water and sewerage provision in Ccape Town, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Financial sustainability of water and sewerage provision is undermined by consumers’ inability and reluctance to pay service fees. Consequently, the escalation of operational and maintenance costs of water and sewerage provision is a major challenge facing South African municipalities. This study examines the provision of water and sewerage services and presents a strategic framework to manage revenue collection to achieve water and sewerage provision financial sustainability. The study applied interpretive epistemology research method. Content analysis was used to collect and analyse data for an improved understanding of service provision and revenue collection mantra. Unlike the other method such as the exploratory research method that provides a description of the observed phenomenon, an interpretive epistemology methodology provides deeper insights into management strategies that are required in order to achieve sustainable water and sewerage provision. The main objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting financial sustainability of water and sewerage provision in Cape Town. The qualitative data were analysed using content method of analysis to gain better meaning of the phenomenon being studied.
The results show that although the water and sanitation department of the participating organisation is making efforts to generate revenue through implementing water and sanitation services payments, there are some residents who refuse to pay for services, resulting in revenue loss. The other reason for loss of revenue is unaccounted water which is the focus of the water and sewerage, demand management and strategy section; this is as a result of leaks, illegal connections, unregistered car wash bays, unmetered connections and informal settlement areas which do not get enough subsidies. The reasons advanced for unwillingness to pay for water and sanitation services by consumers were unemployment, poverty, unequal distribution of services and general ignorance. This study has found evidence of a reluctance toward service payment by participating consumers – requiring strategies to encourage rates payments
The role of the internal auditor in enhancing corporate governance in state-owned Enterprises in South Africa
Full text linkThesis (Master of Internal Auditing)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019In South Africa (SA), State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) play various roles, which include the provision of utility services such as water, electricity, health services and sanitation. SOEs also contribute towards SA’s economic growth and creating job opportunities, and are significant in both developed and developing countries, around the world. The fundamental elements of Corporate Governance (CG), prescribed by the King 4 Report on Corporate Governance and the PFMA, promotes adequate and effective Financial Management, Risk and CG practices that should be actioned by SOEs in SA. The King 4 Report on Corporate Governance, also highlights the need for a risk-based Internal Audit Function (IAF), as the role of the IAF contributes towards effective CG in an entity. However, the sustainability of SOEs remain threatened by challenges like financial mismanagement and non-compliance stemming from CG mal-practices, and despite the existence of the IAF in SOEs, CG
mal-practices persists. This study aimed to explore the role of the IAF in SOEs towards the entity’s CG, which is significant to stakeholders like Internal Auditors, SOEs and the public in SA. A quantitative approach anchored in Institutional and Stakeholder Theories, were adopted for this study, and an online questionnaire were created and distributed via a link inserted in monthly newsletters of the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA), that was circulated to all the members of the IIASA. The questionnaire contained a strict criterion, requesting only IA professionals with current/previous Internal Audit (IA) experience in SOEs in SA, to complete. Data collected that delivered significant results, were divided into eight (8) themes, created for the purpose of answering the main research questions, and were stated as Descriptive Statistics. Relationships between dependent and independent variables were tested using ANOVA, which included Kruskal-Wallis H Tests and Mann- Whitney Tests. Reliability and Validity of the data collection tool and its questions posed to respondents, were conducted using tests like Cronbach’s Alpha and Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient. Findings to this study include the absence of ethical standards in practices and inadequate and ineffective leadership provided by the Boards of Directors within SOEs, as well as inadequate internal control testing performed and weak risk management practices prescribed and performed by the IAF, all contributing to the CG mal-practices. Each chapter of this study elaborates on one Another, towards and inclusive of the final chapter, starting with the Introduction to this research study, followed by the Literature Review which address the affiliative information that is significant to this research study. This study also includes a Research Methodology chapter, which explains the methods used to address this research study’s fundamental questions and objectives. Other existing Chapters include the analysis to data collected from respondents, recommendations to improve the current SOE and IAF practices, and further avenues where research can be conducted
Monitoring, protection, and voltage control of parallel power transformers based on IEC 61850-9-2 process bus
Full text linkThesis (MEng (Electrical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019The purpose of an electrical power system is to supply electrical energy to the customers. Power transformers are required to transform the system voltage from generation to transmission and distribution levels. Protection and control systems must ensure that power system high voltage equipment such as transformers operate and deliver save, reliable and secure electricity supply.
The aim of the project research work is to develop and implement a strategy, methods and algorithms for monitoring, protection and voltage control of parallel power transformers based on IEC 61850-9-2 process bus standard.
NamPower is a power utility in Namibia. The IEC 61850 protocol for electrical substation automation system is used for the protection and control of 5 power transformers operated in parallel in an existing substation system.
The IEC 61850-9-2 process bus standard is however not used in regards of Sampled Values (SV). Protection and control devices are connected to a substation communication network, routers and switches using fibre optic linked Ethernet. Inductive Current Transformers (CTs) and Voltage Transformers (VTs) secondary circuits are hardwired to Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and fibre optic links are not used for this purpose at process level communication.
The research focuses on the implementation of the IEC 61850 standard with Merging Units (MUs) and sampled values to improve the existing implemented protection and control system at NamPower. This includes substation communication networks and MUs used for transformer protection, voltage regulator control and cooling fan control. At the present the CTs located at the transformer bushings and switchgear and the VTs located at the switchgear are hardwired to the inputs on protection and control IEDs. The research focuses on issues with the copper wires for voltage and currents signals and how these issues can be eliminated by using the MUs and the SV protocol.
The MUs which are considered in this Thesis is to improve the voltage regulator control and the control of the cooling fan motors. The voltage regulator control IED is situated at the tap change motor drive of the On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC). The IED of each transformer is required to regulate the voltage level of the secondary side bus bar it is connected to. All the regulating IEDs are required to communicate with each other and collectively to control the bus bar voltage depending on the switching configuration of the parallel transformers. The control circuit for controlling the cooling fan motors is hardwired. Temperature analogue signal input into a programmable automation controller IED can be used for controlling the transformer cooling fans.
A strategy, methods and algorithms for transformer protection, voltage regulator control and cooling fan motor control of parallel power transformers need to be developed and implemented based on IEC 61850-9-2 process bus.
Power utilities and distributors can benefit from interpretation of the IEC 61850-9-2 standard and implementing MUs and SV in substations. MUs can be included in the power transformer protection, automation and control systems. A cost reduction in high voltage equipment, substation installation and commissioning costs and better performance of protection and control system are anticipated
Radiology imaging equipment and accessories as possible Fomites of Nosocomial pathogens
Full text linkThesis (MSc (Radiography))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Background:
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) known as nosocomial infections are a major challenge within the health-care environment. Although investment and time are continually spent on the eradication of HAIs, the problem still exists. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (2015) reported that annually, 4,100,000 patients in Europe acquire additional diseases during their stay in the hospital resulting in 14,700 deaths. Nosocomial infections therefore contribute to the imbalance between resources for the management of hospitals. This is a particular challenge in developing countries like those in Sub-Saharan Africa, of which Ghana is part and, where very limited resources are available for the high volume of patient output.
Radiology is a high technology service department that provides imaging to numerous inpatients and outpatients on a continuous basis. This means that items in the radiology department may serve as possible reservoirs for the transmission of nosocomial pathogens from one individual to another. Where Radiology resides within a health-care system that is unable to give adequate attention to the spread of nosocomial infections or even to proper infection control measures, HAIs becomes a real possibility.
Aims:
The aim of this study was to determine whether radiology imaging equipment and accessories for general radiography are possible fomites of nosocomial pathogens. The study also aimed at investigating the effectiveness of the disinfectant chemical agents (chlorine bleach/sodium hypochlorite and methylated spirits) used for cleaning surfaces at the research site. Furthermore, the study aimed to observe the cleaning procedures and practises by radiographers in general radiography.
Methodology:
The design of this research included an observational and an experimental phase. The study was conducted in the radiology department of a Teaching Hospital (TH) in Ghana. Swabbing, using wet sterile swab sticks was the method for sample collection. This was done on one occasion without cleaning of the selected x-ray equipment and accessories and another occasion after cleaning with the department’s preferred disinfectant chemical agents. The swab samples were then taken to the microbiology laboratory of the University of Ghana for culturing and identification. MacConkey and blood agar media were used to prepare the culture media. The prepared media were put into petri dishes and swab samples were inoculated onto the culture plates. Culture plates were then incubated for 24 hours, at a temperature of 37ºC. At the end of the incubation period, the culture plates were viewed macroscopically under a bright light, to identify any bacterial growth; according to their colony forming characteristics. Seven radiographers (n=7) were observed for a period of one month on the current cleaning procedures and practises in the radiology department. How thoroughly the equipment and accessories were cleaned (how much time spent per item) was recorded. Damp dusting (using cotton wool moistened with methylated spirits or chlorine bleach), cleaning equipment using methylated spirits or chlorine bleach after each contact with body fluid, hands washing after each patient using water and liquid soap, washing of hand randomly after patients (or in between patients) using water and liquid soap, were observed and recorded. Data was captured and analysed using the IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25.
Results:
The selected radiology imaging equipment and accessories swabbed were found to be contaminated with pathogens. Organisms identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Bacillus species(spp.), Shigella spp., Shigella sonnei., Klebsiella spp., Salmonella Paratyphi A, Salmonella Typhi, Providencia rettgeri, Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter spp. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominate pathogenic isolate identified. A significant number of the Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS isolated was methicillin-resistant. Bacillus spp. was the predominant non-pathogenic isolate identified in the study. Statistically there was no significant difference (p=0.5835) between the total number of occurrences of bacterial isolates in both rooms after decontamination.
The observation phase demonstrated that no documented protocol or infection control procedures were available. It was further observed that only one of the seven radiographers washed his/her hands after each patient, but that all radiographers practised hand washing and equipment cleaning when the procedure involved body fluid from patients.
Conclusion:
The research established that radiologic equipment and accessories were often exposed to pathogens and are therefore possible fomites of nosocomial pathogens. The effectiveness of the cleaning agents (methylated spirits and chlorine bleach) was not adequate. Radiographers partially practised infection control measures. Based on the findings of this study it recommended that a policy and procedure must be prepared and an awareness campaign/training of radiographers conducted. Other cleaning agents must also be investigated in a comparative study to determine the most effective agent (but still affordable within the resource constrained environment)
Modulatory and antidiabetic effects of vindoline and Catharanthus roseus in type 2 diabetes mellitus induced male Wistar rats and in RIN-5F cell line
No full textThesis (DPhil (Biomedical Science))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019.Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by persistent high blood glucose levels together with abnormal metabolism of macromolecules. If the hyperglycemia is not controlled, adverse metabolic changes could occur leading to the progressive development of severe complications. Formation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and inflammatory responses are principal mechanisms that have been implicated in the development of hyperglycemia-induced tissue damage. The commercially available drugs utilised in the treatment of diabetes have been linked to detrimental side effects hence the need to discover alternative medicines especially from medicinal plants. Catharanthus roseus is both a medicinal and ornamental plant that is traditionally used to treat various diseases. It has been reported to possess antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The plant has been shown to possess more than 100 monotepernoid indole alkaloids which were linked to the plants’ antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of vindoline; a bioactive compound derived from C. roseus against type 2 diabetes–induced complications. The study also investigated the effects of Catharanthus roseus extracts in RIN-5F cell line.
The study was carried out in two parts: viz in vitro and the in vivo assessments. The in vitro study initially investigated the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities of vindoline and the 3 extracts (methanolic, aqueous and the dichloromethane) of C.roseus. The assays used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the extracts include oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibitory assay. Among the evaluated extracts, the methanolic extract demonstrated both high total polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity. The HLPC analysis of the extracts was performed and showed highest concentrations of vindoline in the dichloromethane extract and the aqueous extract exhibited the least. The antioxidant activities of vindoline were determined and compared to a known antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Vindoline revealed stronger ORAC activity than ascorbic acid however the ferric reducing antioxidant power did not show any significant differences (p < 0.05). Insulin secretion studies were performed in a β-cell insulinoma cell line- RIN-5F exposed to different concentrations of glucose (high, low and in the absence of glucose). The studies were carried out to compare the β-cell stimulatory effect of vindoline to the extracts. After performing cytotoxic experiments, concentrations that resulted in about 80% cell viability were used to determine the insulin secretory effects. In cells that exposed to glucotoxicity (50 mM glucose), vindoline showed the highest β-cell stimulatory effect (p < 0.05) when compared to the untreated controls and to the cells that were treated with the methanolic extract. In cells that were exposed to a low glucose concentration, vindoline additionally showed significant β-cell stimulatory effect at p < 0.05 when compared to the aqueous and the methanolic extracts.
Thereafter, the intracellular reactive oxygen species assay (ROSA) was performed in glucotoxicity-induced cells after treatment with vindoline and the respective extracts. The results were compared to the untreated control: vindoline, methanolic and the dichloromethane extracts indicated significant reduction in ROS generation (p < 0.05). Further measurement of the release of TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine in the cells following treatment, the results were not significant among the groups at p < 0.05.
The carbohydrate enzymes inhibitory activity of vindoline and extracts of C.roseus (50, 25, 12.5 and 6.125 mg/ml) were measured. The alpha glucosidase inhibitory activities of the extracts at 50 mg/ml resulted in < 30% enzyme inhibition with no significant differences among the groups at p < 0.05. At lower concentrations, the dichloromethane extract exhibited significantly lower inhibitory activities when compared to the methanolic and the aqueous extract (p < 0.05). The alpha amylase inhibitory activity of the methanolic extract was significantly increased at all concentrations; recording the highest enzyme inhibition of approximately 40% (p < 0.5). However, the dichloromethane extract did not show any enzyme inhibitory activity. The enzyme inhibitory activity of vindoline was compared to acarbose-a known standard drug, for both enzymes; vindoline did not show appreciable enzyme inhibition when compared to acarbose (p < 0.05).
In vivo studies were performed in a type 2 diabetes (T2DM) rat model in which T2DM was induced in 6 weeks old male Wistar rats by having them drink 10% fructose solution ad libitum for 14 days followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ 40 mg/kg) in freshly prepared 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Animals were randomly divided into six groups (n=8) and received daily treatments for 6 weeks with the vehicle, vindoline (20 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) via oral gavage. The effects of the treatments on blood glucose, insulin, body weight, organ weight, serum biochemical parameters, oxidative status, inflammatory markers and tissue histology were assessed in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Administration of vindoline significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats by 15% and significantly increased serum insulin levels when compared to the diabetic controls. Vindoline and glibenclamide significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of circulating hepatic enzymes in T2DM; the results were significant when compared to the diabetic controls. Treatment with vindoline significantly improved the hepatic antioxidant status as indicated by increased ORAC, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, indicative of the protective effect of vindoline in diabetes-induced hepatic injury. Assessment of the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hepatic tissue indicated remarkable reduction of TNF-ɑ by (-41%) and IL-6 (-28%) in diabetic rats treated with vindoline when compared to the diabetic controls (p < 0.05).
The serum lipid profile showed marked increases in the levels of serum lipids (triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, total cholesterol and very low density lipoproteins) in diabetic controls when compared to all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, vindoline and glibenclamide showed possible protective effects against diabetes-induced cardiovascular disease. Kidney function assessment revealed increased levels of urea and creatinine in the diabetic control group. Vindoline and glibenclamide significantly reduced the urea and creatinine levels in diabetic rats.
Vindoline additionally improved the FRAP in diabetic hearts. The SOD activity and ORAC were increased while lipid peroxidation was reduced in the kidneys of diabetic rats treated with vindoline when compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05).
Histopathological assessment in diabetic rats showed severe damage of the liver, kidney and pancreas. Treatment of diabetic rats with vindoline restored the structure of these organs which was indicated by minimum structural changes. The expression of pro-apoptotic marker caspase 9 in response to glucose stress was significantly higher in the diabetic control group when compared to all the treatment groups. Treatment with vindoline showed remarkable reduction of caspase 9 expression in the diabetic rats.
In conclusion, persistent high blood glucose levels resulted in free radical induced tissue damage in the type 2 diabetes rat model. Vindoline demonstrated protective effects against diabetes induced hepatic, cardiac, pancreatic and nephritic injuries. In addition, vindoline improved insulin secretion in both in vitro and in vivo setups hence the findings suggest that vindoline could be an important agent that can be considered in the treatment and management of diabetes and diabetic complications
The influence of export incentives on gold jewellery manufacturers’ decision to export : the case of selected Gauteng manufacturers
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Globally, governments encourage companies to pursue internationalisation in ways that include monetary and non-monetary export promotion support programmes. It is not known whether the various export promotion incentives available to South African companies are inducing them to consider exporting their products. This research study used semi-structured interviews to examine the influence of government export incentives on selected South African, Gauteng-based gold jewellery manufacturers' decision to export their products. The research sought to analyse exports of South African-manufactured gold jewellery in the past decade and the level of awareness among the selected manufacturers of the export incentives on offer. In addition, the study sought to determine the barriers to export that confront jewellery exporters in both the South African and international markets. The results of the study revealed that Gauteng based jewellery manufacturers are indeed influenced by export incentives to consider pursuing exports. The results further revealed that foreign clients prefer locally manufactured jewellery. This makes it difficult for South African jewellery manufacturers to claim a reasonable share in export markets. Additionally, in many cases transactions are processed through an internet system. Companies indicated that they had run afoul of fraudulent internet transactions, which resulted in most of their profit being stolen by unscrupulous individuals. The main recommendation is that manufacturers should only use established trading platforms and not engage with unsolicited buyers. In addition, the results revealed that manufacturers experienced delays with payments that resulted in substantial cash flow problems. The researcher recommends that manufacturers rely on upfront payment or part payment or procure export credit guarantees to cover such eventualities
Public health management : an audit on the efficacy of healthcare quality measurement methods for Western Cape’s ‘Healthcare 2030’ strategy
No full textThesis (MTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019This study was an evaluation of the efficacy of in-programme healthcare quality assessment methods used by the Western Cape Department of Health (WCDoH) to generate health evidence needed to improve healthcare quality in the Province's primary healthcare facilities as envisioned in the Western Cape Province's Healthcare 2030 vision document. The commitment made by policymakers in the multi-year health strategy to inculcate a culture of continuous improvement to improve healthcare quality needed to be tested on the appropriateness of data generation instruments being used to generate health evidence to improve quality. In this context, the researcher found the research problem to be an absence of operating knowledge to ascertain the efficacy of healthcare quality measurement methods used by the WCDoH to generate health evidence needed to meet the Province's healthcare quality objectives espoused in the vision document Healthcare 2030. Reviewed literature showed an increased demand for knowledge-driven health systems where data is generated to evaluate performance, client satisfaction, clinical quality and professional development of health workers. Through qualitative research methodology, the study used purposive sampling to select 12 (twelve) participants from Bothasig Community Day Centre (CDC), 16 participants from Du Noon Community Health Centre (CHC) and 8 (eight) heads of the WCDoH's Directorates. The participants answered open and closed-ended questions on questionnaires on the appropriateness of instruments used to generate information needed to facilitate patient-centred care and evidence-driven healthcare. Respondents highlighted the need for increased awareness campaigns on Healthcare 2030 among healthcare professionals, the need for a measurement metric to gauge the progress of medical instruction compliance over time, the need for a stakeholder-focused health facility management programme and a tailored institutional support framework. The research concluded that the measurement of patient wellness must be tracked over time, information systems must be integrated to facilitate information sharing, Healthcare 2030 policy awareness must improve across the department and a culture of interdepartmental knowledge sharing must be promoted
Principles of physics implicit in emergency medical rescue education and operational practice: a case study of motor vehicle related rescue
No full textThesis (Master of Emergency Medical Care (MEMC))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Introduction: Road traffic injuries are the ninth leading cause of death globally. Projections indicate that without new and sustained commitment globally to preventing such injuries, the situation will only worsen. Motor vehicle rescue does not lend itself to the prevention of road traffic incidents but through ensuring that all incidents are managed using sound evidence could contribute in positive outcomes for victims. It is unknown what contribution rescue education makes to the body of medical rescue knowledge in South Africa. Aims: The aim of this research was to investigate the relevance and scope of the principles of physics within medical rescue specifically in the context of motor vehicle rescue. It appears that current traditional methods of presenting rescue training, which is mainly procedural and technical, may contribute to 'segmented' learning. Research Methodology: Using an interpretive research design, multiple qualitative methodologies were employed. This methodological triangulation was intended to improve construct validity and trustworthiness of findings. A modified Delphi process through which questionnaires was repeatedly distributed to rescue experts was employed. Process tracing was used to evaluate the developed typical motor vehicle rescue case scenario narrative for underpinnings of the principles of physics. The Bachelor Emergency Medical Care Physics and Extrication subject guides was evaluated for its educational alignment during the document analysis. Legitimation Code theory as a theoretical framework was utilised to appraise the knowledge gap. Results & Discussion: Motor vehicle rescue incident may not always present in a similar manner due to various factors and influences. Development of the typical motor vehicle case narrative from which its physics principles could be identified was imperative. Most motor vehicle rescue related training occur with the vehicle in the upright orientation on all four wheels. This manner of frequent training may restrict rescue practitioners from moving beyond their 'typical' training knowledge when the situation presents a typical. The thematic document analysis of the BEMC Physics and Extrication subject guides lacked the necessary coherence which is required for a professional degree. It was deemed void of certain threshold concepts and structure which would allow the student to move between the theoretical and contextual knowledge. Motor vehicle rescue subject guides and most textbooks on the topic leaned towards a procedural and very technically detailed pedagogy, to the extent that it could contribute to segmented learning. Conclusion: Developing curricula that is underpinned by a theoretically sound evidence base would promote credibility of a qualification. Curricula by design inform the teaching, learning and the competencies which would ultimately be assessed. Professional degrees are intended to develop practitioners who would graduate with the knowledge and competencies to adapt to situations. In addition, graduate attributes of lifelong learning, reflective practice and the ability to contribute to the development of new knowledge is secondary to the goal of qualification attainment