Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on the Implementation of the Ward-based Outreach Team Program in Gauteng Province

Background The epidemic Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has led to changes in healthcare delivery systems globally, affecting the Ward-based Outreach Team (WBOT) program. Objective This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the implementation of the ward-based outreach team program by Community Health Workers (CHWs). Methods A qualitative design was adopted to conduct In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with CHWs implementing the WBOT program in the northern subdistrict of Ekurhuleni. A purpose-oriented sampling technique was used to select participants for IDIs. Results The study included nine health facilities linked to 47 wards. The findings of the study revealed four main themes: fear and denied access during COVID-19, the impact of COVID-19 on CHW's role, psychological impact, and perceived socioeconomic impact as a result of COVID-19. The results of this study showed the perception of CHWs of the displaced community during the COVID-19 outbreak and the impact of the lockdown on their role. Conclusion The results of this qualitative study showed the impact of the outbreak on the role of CHWs, the fear of COVID-19 in the communities, stress and fear of the disease, and the perception of CHWs of the displaced community by the disease. Despite the challenges posed by the outbreak, the ward-based outreach program has continued to play a vital role in delivering essential healthcare services to communities. These findings can be used as an input for decision-making when developing strategies to optimize CHWs implementation.