One PA's experiences in the Netherlands, South Africa, and Australia

Kerlen, Ando; Ballweg, Ruth

doi:10.1097/01.jaa.0000521140.69033.62

Cited by 1 publication

(3 citation statements)

References 13 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“… 8 There was extensive consultation at the start of implementation, including workshops and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. 13 , 32 Doherty et al reiterated that stakeholder interests and sensitivities were taken into account at the introduction of the programme, and commended the initial process for its savvy policy-making and training implementation processes. 11 Successful uptake of the Clin-A training programmes at three SA universities was credited to the presence of local champions.…”

Section: Review Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 11 Successful uptake of the Clin-A training programmes at three SA universities was credited to the presence of local champions. 12 , 13 Buy-in from the Rural Doctors Association of South Africa (RUDASA) and family doctors also contributed to initial successes. 13 …”

Section: Review Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 12 , 13 Buy-in from the Rural Doctors Association of South Africa (RUDASA) and family doctors also contributed to initial successes. 13 …”

Section: Review Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The role of clinical associates in South Africa as a health workforce: A scoping review

Ngcobo,

Bust,

Couper

et al. 2024

African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: South Africa’s health care system grapples with persistent challenges, including health care provider shortages and disparities in distribution. In response, the government introduced clinical associates (Clin-As) as a novel category of health care providers.Aim: This study mapped Clin-As’ history and practice in South Africa, assessing their roles in the health workforce and offering recommendations.Methods: Following the framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley, we conducted a comprehensive literature search from January 2001 to November 2021, utilising PubMed, Scopus and EBSCOhost databases. One thousand six hundred and seventy-two articles were identified and then refined to 36 through title, abstract and full-text screening.Results: Strengths of the Clin-A cadre included addressing rural workforce shortages and offering cost-effective health care in rural areas. Challenges to the success of the cadre included stakeholder resistance, rapid implementation, scope of practice ambiguity, inadequate supervision, unclear roles, limited Department of Health (NDoH) support, funding deficits, Clin-As’ perceived underpayment and overwork, degree recognition issues, inadequate medical student training on Clin-A roles, vague career paths and uneven provincial participation.Conclusion: As a health care provider cadre, Clin-As have been welcomed by multiple stakeholders and could potentially be a valuable resource for South Africa’s health care system, but they face substantial challenges. Realising their full potential necessitates enhanced engagement, improved implementation strategies and precise scope definition.Contribution: This study acknowledges Clin-As in SA as a promising solution to health care workforce shortages but highlights challenges such as stakeholder resistance, insufficient NDoH support and unclear policies, emphasising the need for comprehensive efforts to maximise their potential.

show abstract

Section: Review Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%