, among the codes and categories. The final interpretation of the fpsyg.2015.01865 data and conceptual categories were reviewed with the research Fruquintinib manufacturer assistant (PM) and one of the focus group participants. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by collecting data from multiple and different sources of information. The triangulated data sources were assessed against one another to cross-check data and interpretation with a clinical psychologist and a pharmacist. The underlying assumption was that the various methods applied and the data collected will complement each other and their respective shortcomings can be balanced out through triangulation process.GenderExperience in yearsNumberAverage working experience 4 years 4 years 2 years 3 yearsMale Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Male Female -20 12 8 9 25 6 7 7 6 4 -11 7 3ResultsFocus group discussionsThe study achieved saturation with six focus group discussions. Table 1 presents the categories of the participants. A total of 77 participants were interviewed: 38 professional nurses; 12 medical doctors; 6 pharmacists; 6 HIV and/or AIDS program managers; 5 clinical psychologists; 5 dieticians; 3 social workers and 2 clinical managers.http://www.phcfm.orgOpen AccessPage 5 ofOriginal Researchbeen developed for too long, it must be put into action. We hope to hear from you, how you plan to do that …’ (Head of Health Branch ?0)`I know these politicians, they just approve without considering the consequences of their actions. Ahh ! They don’t care …’ (Clinical psychologist ?1)With the exception of one district executive Mangafodipir (trisodium) molecular weight manager, all members of health branch were aware of the existence of the Act. At both levels (district and provincial), the knowledge of the Act contents, especially with regard to the definition of THPs, scope of practice and their recognition as health professionals, and the need for integration with other health providers such as allopathic health practitioners appeared vague. There was general consensus in all the meetings about the need to work together with THPs. However, concern was raised with regard to their standard of care; patient safety; medicine storage; overdose; false promises, especially that of a cure for HIV and/or AIDS; and unscrupulous practices and the lack of control measures. These concerns were clearly demonstrated by the following comments:`… what do they say about their claim to cure HIV/AIDS … our patients will not be safe.’ (CEO ?1) `I have once visited their clinics, everything is mixed up, no order at all … you know … Herbs and skin of animals hanging on the walls.’ (HIV co-ordinator ?3)The concern about the quality of health care was further divided into two subthemes. The first subtheme was THPs lack of knowledge, skills and resources to manage HIV and/ or AIDS and TB patients. The second subtheme was that they interfered with the j.jebo.2013.04.005 efficacy of ARV and TB treatment. Concern was raised about the Act and their view was that allowing and recognising them to work with allopathic health practitioners would cause more harm for the patients and affect quality of health care being rendered in public health facilities. The following statements highlight some of the concerns raised during the discussion:`… What I see here is that there will be more death now, if we go to medical wards, there are lots of patients with renal failures, patients come here at critical stages, we cannot resuscitate them. Relatives take our patients on treatment to the THPs, o., among the codes and categories. The final interpretation of the fpsyg.2015.01865 data and conceptual categories were reviewed with the research assistant (PM) and one of the focus group participants. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by collecting data from multiple and different sources of information. The triangulated data sources were assessed against one another to cross-check data and interpretation with a clinical psychologist and a pharmacist. The underlying assumption was that the various methods applied and the data collected will complement each other and their respective shortcomings can be balanced out through triangulation process.GenderExperience in yearsNumberAverage working experience 4 years 4 years 2 years 3 yearsMale Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Male Female -20 12 8 9 25 6 7 7 6 4 -11 7 3ResultsFocus group discussionsThe study achieved saturation with six focus group discussions. Table 1 presents the categories of the participants. A total of 77 participants were interviewed: 38 professional nurses; 12 medical doctors; 6 pharmacists; 6 HIV and/or AIDS program managers; 5 clinical psychologists; 5 dieticians; 3 social workers and 2 clinical managers.http://www.phcfm.orgOpen AccessPage 5 ofOriginal Researchbeen developed for too long, it must be put into action. We hope to hear from you, how you plan to do that …’ (Head of Health Branch ?0)`I know these politicians, they just approve without considering the consequences of their actions. Ahh ! They don’t care …’ (Clinical psychologist ?1)With the exception of one district executive manager, all members of health branch were aware of the existence of the Act. At both levels (district and provincial), the knowledge of the Act contents, especially with regard to the definition of THPs, scope of practice and their recognition as health professionals, and the need for integration with other health providers such as allopathic health practitioners appeared vague. There was general consensus in all the meetings about the need to work together with THPs. However, concern was raised with regard to their standard of care; patient safety; medicine storage; overdose; false promises, especially that of a cure for HIV and/or AIDS; and unscrupulous practices and the lack of control measures. These concerns were clearly demonstrated by the following comments:`… what do they say about their claim to cure HIV/AIDS … our patients will not be safe.’ (CEO ?1) `I have once visited their clinics, everything is mixed up, no order at all … you know … Herbs and skin of animals hanging on the walls.’ (HIV co-ordinator ?3)The concern about the quality of health care was further divided into two subthemes. The first subtheme was THPs lack of knowledge, skills and resources to manage HIV and/ or AIDS and TB patients. The second subtheme was that they interfered with the j.jebo.2013.04.005 efficacy of ARV and TB treatment. Concern was raised about the Act and their view was that allowing and recognising them to work with allopathic health practitioners would cause more harm for the patients and affect quality of health care being rendered in public health facilities. The following statements highlight some of the concerns raised during the discussion:`… What I see here is that there will be more death now, if we go to medical wards, there are lots of patients with renal failures, patients come here at critical stages, we cannot resuscitate them. Relatives take our patients on treatment to the THPs, o.