This paper describes a study where a case study approach using reflective critical social theory was adopted to describe the role and function of a urban PHC practitioner and to explore the praxis (ie. the underlying personal beliefs, values and philosophy) of the practitioner. The analytic interpretation was to reflect what it is like (and why this is so), to be an urban PHCP in a rapidly changing country. The study used qualitative measures and reflective strategies to explore with the PHCP the underlying philosophies, values and beliefs that guide her practice. The aim was to provide the practitioner with the opportunity to reflect on practice by focussing on day to day experience. The results of this study suggest that the practitioner is using a PHC framework during practice and participates in community development.
PIP: Health workers such as primary health care practitioners (PHCPs) understand that community development and participation are essential to bringing health to the masses of South Africa. Now that the long period of apartheid is over, health workers can fearlessly begin empowering community members and implementing community development strategies inherent in primary health care (PHC). All South African communities must gain control over their own health and become responsible for it. For their part, nurses must begin sharing their experiences with each other in order to help the nursing profession meet the challenges in the country's Reconstruction and Development Program. A study is described in which a case study approach using reflective critical social theory was adopted to describe the role and function of an urban PHCP and to explore the underlying personal beliefs, values, and philosophy of the practitioner. The PHCP had been working in a community health center in the Western Province for 6 years. The goal of the study was to give the PHCP the opportunity to reflect upon practice by focusing upon the day-to-day experience. Study findings suggest that the PHC practitioner is using a PHC framework during practice and participates in community development.