Article

A new health care profession in rural district hospitals: a case study of the introduction of Clinical Associates in Shongwe hospital

Published in: South African Family Practice
Volume 59 , issue 1, pages: 14–17
DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1248144
Author(s): M BacFaculty of Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, South Africa, JMA HammFaculty of Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, South Africa, PC van BodegravenFaculty of Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, South Africa, B PaterFaculty of Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, South Africa, JM LouwFaculty of Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, South Africa,

Abstract

Background: One of the reasons to develop training courses for medical mid-level workers in South Africa is a shortage of doctors. The introduction of this new profession has led to task sharing and redefining of professional boundaries. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the introduction of new healthcare professionals in a rural hospital district.

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