Abstract:
In 2008, the National Department of Health (NDoH) in South Africa
(SA) introduced a new health profession of clinical associates (ClinAs).
This was a response to a chronic shortage of healthcare workers,
especially doctors. ClinAs are professional members of the healthcare
system with the necessary skills and knowledge to function effectively
mainly in primary healthcare settings such as clinics, community
health centres (CHCs) and district hospitals. ClinAs are registered
under the Health Professions Council of South Africa, with their scope
of practice allowing them to do the following (inter alia):[1]
• conduct consultations (history taking and physical examination)
• order and interpret investigations (e.g. electrocardiograms, laboratory
tests, X-rays)
• diagnose and treat common conditions
• perform procedures (e.g. lumbar puncture, intercostal drain)
• assist in surgery (e.g. caesarean section)
• provide patient education and counselling
• make appropriate admissions, discharges and referrals
• prescribe medicines for common and important conditions
• issue sick certificates.