Clinical associates in South Africa

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.