Table 1 Outline of participants for qualitative research
Type of respondent | Workplace | Themes | Tool | Number | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Policy-makers | National level, Ministry, development partners | Perception of problem; views on drivers for MDs; what policy options are realistic | Key informant interviews | 4 | 4 |
Health managers | Provincial health department | Overview of HRH in the provinces, with emphasis on the rural and remote areas | Key informant interviews | 1 × 2 provinces | 2 |
Doctors | In remote areas and at lower levels (district preventive department, district hospital and community health centres) | Understanding the reasons why they stay and work in these places | In-depth interviews | 3 × 2 provinces | 6 |
Doctors | Leaving district level to work at provincial level (preventive sector, curative and private sector) | Understanding the reasons why they left their former workplaces to work in new posts; investigate what might bring them back | In-depth interviews | 3 × 2 provinces | 5 |
Medical students | Medical universities | Understanding their expectations and intentions regarding future employment | Focus group discussions | 1 FGD × 2 universities (6-10 participants per group) | 15 |