Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice
Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Associate
Purpose
The purpose of this three-year Bachelor's qualification is to train competent, professional health care team members with the necessary knowledge and attitudes to function effectively as Clinical Associates (CAs) in district hospitals. CAs will work under the supervision of qualified medical practitioners, performing a wide variety of clinical procedures. This aims to enhance patient communication and education while enabling medical practitioners to deliver comprehensive medical services.
Scope of Practice
- Obtaining patient histories and conducting physical examinations
- Ordering and/or performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
- Interpreting findings and formulating diagnoses for common and emergency conditions
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Monitoring therapeutic interventions' effectiveness
- Assisting in surgeries
- Providing counseling and education to meet patient needs
- Making appropriate referrals
The Clinical Associate's scope of practice encompasses:
- Emergency care
- Skilled procedures
- Inpatient care
The curriculum is designed based on the skills needed and common conditions seen in South African district hospitals. It ensures that CAs possess general skills, knowledge, and attitudes to adapt to future needs in the health care system. The training aims to be adaptable as health system requirements evolve.
Rationale
South Africa faces a severe doctor shortage, especially in rural hospitals, leading to unrealistic workloads and compromised service quality. To address this gap, a mid-level medical worker cadre, Clinical Associates, will assist doctors in district hospitals. This role aims to enhance health care quality and access, particularly in underserved communities. The CA program aligns with South Africa's Primary Health Care Approach.
Conclusion
Successful completion of this qualification enables learners to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and practice as Clinical Associates. This program creates a new career path within the health care team, addressing critical workforce shortages and improving health service delivery in South Africa.
Outcomes
- Perform a patient-centred consultation across all ages in a district hospital.
- Apply clinical reasoning in the assessment and management of patients.
- Perform investigative and therapeutic procedures appropriate for a district hospital.
- Prescribe appropriate medication within their scope of practice.
- Provide emergency care.
- Facilitate communication and provide basic counselling.
- Function as an effective member of the health care team.
- Produce and maintain clinical records.
- Function as an ethical practitioner.
- Demonstrate ongoing learning in clinical practice.
- Integrate an understanding of family, community and health system in practice. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: The Exit Level Outcomes and the associated assessment criteria listed above are consistent with the following Critical Cross-field outcomes: Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking. Exit Level Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,9,10,
- Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community. Exit Level Outcomes: 2, 6, 7, 9,
- Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information. Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
- Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations. Exit Level Outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8,
- Demonstrate cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in dealing with patients, colleagues and communities. Exit Level Outcomes: 2, 6, 7, 9,
- Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Exit Level Outcomes: 2, 7, 9,
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour. Exit Level Outcome:
- Lay the foundation for life-long learning and ongoing competency. Exit Level Outcomes: 2, 10.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Patient's needs and problems are identified by effective listening.
- Relevant history is taken.
- Accurate and relevant physical examination is performed.
- Diagnostic tools are used effectively.
- Continuity of care is ensured by making arrangements for follow up.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- High-risk situations and conditions in patients are timeously identified and appropriate action taken.
- Hypotheses (differential diagnoses) are made from information obtained.
- Collaboration with the patient occurs in all aspects of the consultation.
- An assessment is made based on information gathered.
- Contextualisation within the bio-psycho-social model.
- Management plan based on assessment and includes appropriate referrals.
- Ongoing review and adjustments to the management plan.
- Special investigations guided by information needed.
- Cost-effectiveness considered in assessment and management decisions.
- Interpretation of relevant special investigations.
- Presentation and justification of assessment and management plan.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Procedures explained in lay and medical terms.
- Indications and contra-indications listed for specific procedures.
- Demonstration of ability to prepare for a procedure.
- Competent demonstration of procedures.
- Explanation of possible complications and follow-up instructions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Knowledge in basic pharmacology demonstrated.
- Knowledge and application of standard treatment guidelines.
- Correct prescription writing and explanation to patients.
- Consideration of non-pharmacological therapies.
- Administration and dispensing of medication demonstrated.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Identification and management of potentially life-threatening conditions.
- Appropriate management and referral of emergency conditions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Effective listening to identify patient's needs.
- Health information shared appropriately.
- Basic counselling skills demonstrated.
- Mutual decision-making facilitated.
- Continual support and follow-up provided.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Understanding and demonstration of roles and relationships within the hospital team.
- Enhanced team functioning through appropriate attitude and behavior.
- Clear communication of clinical information to team members.
- Appropriately handing over patient reports to colleagues.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Accurate and legible recording of patient information.
- Appropriate completion of patient referral letters and statistics.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Explanation of the role and function of a clinical associate to the patient.
- Application of basic ethical principles and Batho Pele principles.
- Compliance with statutory and professional obligations.
- Demonstrating appropriate attitudes towards patients, families, and colleagues.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Identification of professional strengths and weaknesses through reflection.
- Continuous improvement of clinical practice through self-directed learning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Assessment and management of patients within the context of family and community.
- Knowledge of the local district health system for referrals and follow-up.
- Awareness and involvement in community-oriented primary care.
- Understanding of the principles and practice of comprehensive primary health care.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative and summative assessment methods including theory and practical skills evaluation.
- Methods include written assignments, tests, practical examinations, oral examinations, and portfolio review.
- National examination set by FAMEC for summative evaluation.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.