'You can't stay away from your family': a qualitative study of the ongoing ties and future plans of South African health workers in the United Kingdom

Global Health Action
Katherine TaylorDavid Mant

Abstract

Migration of African-trained health workers to countries with higher health care worker densities adds to the severe shortage of health personnel in many African countries. Policy initiatives to reduce migration levels are informed by many studies exploring the reasons for the original decision to migrate. In contrast, there is little evidence to inform policies designed to facilitate health workers returning home or providing other forms of support to the health system of their home country. This study explores the links that South African-trained health workers who now live and work in the United Kingdom maintain with their country of training and what their future migration plans may be. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with South African trained health workers who are now living in the United Kingdom. Data extracts from the interviews relating to current links with South Africa and future migration plans were studied. All 16 participants reported strong ongoing ties with South Africa, particularly through active communication with family and friends, both face-to-face and remotely. Being South African was a significant part of their personal identity, and many made frequent visits to South Africa. These visits some...Continue Reading

References

Nov 3, 2004·Lancet·Sudhir Anand, Till Bärnighausen
Nov 30, 2004·Lancet·Lincoln ChenSuwit Wibulpolprasert
Oct 28, 2005·The New England Journal of Medicine·Fitzhugh Mullan

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Citations

Mar 18, 2017·The Veterinary Record·G Enticott
Nov 18, 2018·PloS One·Keneilwe Motlhatlhedi, Oathokwa Nkomazana
Aug 26, 2021·Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare·Ferry EfendiEka Misbhahatul Marah Has

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