Challenges to accessibility of emergency medical services among rural residents in the Otse cluster, Mahalapye district, Botswana.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are essential for timely medical intervention and improved patient outcomes, yet access to these services remains limited in rural settings. In Botswana's Otse Cluster, Mahalapye District, rising mortality rates and delayed emergency care highlight potential challenges in EMS accessibility. This study aimed to explore the challenges affecting accessibility to EMS among rural residents in the Otse Cluster to identify factors contributing to service delays and propose potential strategies to improve equitable emergency care delivery. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, using purposive sampling to select participants with relevant knowledge of EMS challenges. Data were collected through ten focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 89 rural residents and five unstructured interviews with healthcare providers serving the Otse Cluster. The sample size was determined by data saturation, ensuring that the information gathered was rich and comprehensive. Data were coded using ATLAS.ti software and analysed thematically. The study findings revealed three main themes: infrastructure and resource constraints, community awareness and education, and strategies to improve EMS accessibility, supported by eight subthemes including staff and supply shortage, poor transport and communication networks and limited public knowledge of EMS. The findings expose systemic and multifaceted barriers to EMS access, suggesting that targeted policy reforms, infrastructure improvements, community engagement, and innovative low-cost EMS solutions are necessary to enhance emergency healthcare delivery and reduce preventable deaths in Botswana. Keywords: Emergency Medical Services, rural healthcare, access to care, Otse Cluster, Mahalapye District, Botswana, community perceptions, challenges.

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Zambia

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Morake, Kesego

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://dspace.unza.zm/handle/123456789/9252

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.unza.zm:123456789/9252