Scott Smalley1, Motlatso Gladys Mlambo, Audrey Gibbs, Ian Couper. 1. Scott Smalley is academic and clinical head of division in the Division of Clinical Associates, Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Motlatso Gladys Mlambo is senior researcher in the Department of Institutional Research and Business Intelligence at the University of South Africa in Pretoria. Audrey Gibbs is program director of the physician associate program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science at Norwich Medical School in the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. Ian Couper is director of the Ukwanda Center for Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. Funding for this research was provided out of a project grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies. The authors have disclosed no other potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. The views expressed in this article are the authors' own and not an official position of the institution or funder.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the opinions of supervising physicians about the introduction of clinical associates at South African district hospitals in 2012. METHODS: Twenty-four healthcare professionals in Gauteng and North West provinces were selected to participate in cross-sectional qualitative interviews exploring their opinions on the clinical practice of clinical associates, the effect of the new cadre, their achievements, and the concerns of the supervisors. The inductive content analysis process generated several themes. RESULTS: Three positive themes related to clinical associate practice were identified: professionalism, skill level, and efficiencies in patient management. Themes of concern included overtime and calls, writing prescriptions, and supervision. CONCLUSIONS: Interview results highlighted acceptance and appreciation for the introduction of clinical associates. Baseline opinions enhanced curriculum development and will inform further research on the effect of clinical associates on healthcare delivery in South Africa.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the opinions of supervising physicians about the introduction of clinical associates at South African district hospitals in 2012. METHODS: Twenty-four healthcare professionals in Gauteng and North West provinces were selected to participate in cross-sectional qualitative interviews exploring their opinions on the clinical practice of clinical associates, the effect of the new cadre, their achievements, and the concerns of the supervisors. The inductive content analysis process generated several themes. RESULTS: Three positive themes related to clinical associate practice were identified: professionalism, skill level, and efficiencies in patient management. Themes of concern included overtime and calls, writing prescriptions, and supervision. CONCLUSIONS: Interview results highlighted acceptance and appreciation for the introduction of clinical associates. Baseline opinions enhanced curriculum development and will inform further research on the effect of clinical associates on healthcare delivery in South Africa.