Task substitution: the view of the Australian Medical Association.

Technology, community expectations and an ageing population are driving the need for an expanded health care workforce. Doctors embrace task substitution wherever it can be done safely and effectively. Task substitution should occur in the context of: team care that synergises the different skills of doctors, nurses and other health professionals doctors retaining their central role increases in the capacity to extend medical services with efficiency gains no loss of patient safety no fragmentation of care The growth of task substitution could lead to workforce shortages in other health care areas. Public policy on task substitution must take full account of patient preferences and expectations.