Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of this three-year Bachelor's degree is to train competent, professional members of the health care team who possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to function effectively as clinical associates in the South African health care system. These clinical associates will work alongside and under the supervision of qualified medical practitioners to consult with patients, perform clinical procedures, improve patient communication and education, and provide comprehensive care in district health settings. By relieving nursing staff of additional duties and addressing the doctor shortage in South Africa, clinical associates will enhance the overall quality of health care services provided to patients and communities.
Rationale:
-
Range of typical learners: The program will cater to individuals interested in pursuing a career in the health care field as clinical associates, providing them with the required training and skills to work effectively in district hospitals.
-
Added value to qualifying learners: Graduates will have the opportunity to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and practice as clinical associates, fulfilling a vital role within the health care team.
-
Occupation/Jobs/Areas of activity: Graduates will operate as midlevel medical workers, assisting medical practitioners in delivering quality care in district hospitals, thereby improving patient outcomes and alleviating workload pressures on existing health care staff.
-
Proof of demand for the qualification: The program addresses the critical shortage of doctors in South Africa's rural hospitals, providing a solution to improve the quality of health care services and support staff in handling patient needs effectively.
-
Benefit to society and the economy: By producing qualified clinical associates, the program benefits society by enhancing the overall quality of health care services provided to patients and communities, while also contributing to the economic development of the health care sector.
-
Evidenced planned outcomes: The curriculum integrates biomedical and clinical sciences to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage common medical conditions and perform relevant procedures in district hospitals, ensuring applied competence and a foundation for further learning within the health care field.
The implementation of midlevel medical workers, such as clinical associates, is integral to the Department of Health's Human Resource Plan and will play a crucial role in improving health care services in South Africa. Training clinical associates will address the current gaps in the health care system, enhance patient care, and create new career opportunities within the health care team. With the growing recognition of the importance of midlevel medical workers globally, the program will produce qualified professionals who can contribute effectively to the health care sector 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 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 understanding of family, community and health system in practice. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: (a) "Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and
- (b) "Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and
- (c) "Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes:1,3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and
- (d) "Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information". Refer to all Exit Level Outcomes. (e) "Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and
- (f) "Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and
- (g) "Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes:2, 4, 7, 8, 9, and
- (h) "Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of: > "Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and
- > "Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities###"-see ELO### note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and
- > "Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and
- > "Exploring education and career opportunities". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes:
- > "Developing entrepreneurial opportunities". Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes:
- 8.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
- Patient Assessment: Patient's needs and problems are identified by effective listening. A relevant history is taken. An accurate and relevant physical examination is performed. Diagnostic tools are used effectively. Continuity of care is ensured by making arrangements for follow up and review.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
- High-risk Situations and Conditions: High-risk situations and conditions in patients are timeously identified. Hypotheses are made from information obtained (differential diagnoses). Collaboration with the patient occurs in all aspects of the consultation. Assessment based on information is made. Assessment is contextualised within the biopsychosocial model including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative aspects.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
- Procedural Skills: Explain the procedure in lay and medical terms. List indications and contraindications for a specific procedure. Demonstrate ability to prepare for a procedure, including patient preparation. Perform procedures competently. Explain possible complications for the procedure. Explain follow-up and safety-netting following the procedure.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
- Pharmacology Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge in basic pharmacology. Demonstrate knowledge of standard treatment guidelines and drugs in the EDL appropriate for district hospitals. Prescriptions are written correctly. Knowledge of non-pharmacological therapies is demonstrated. Knowledge and skills to administer and dispense medication are demonstrated.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
- Emergency Management: Potentially life-threatening conditions in patients are identified and evaluated. Emergency conditions are managed and referred appropriately.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
- Patient Communication: Patient's needs and problems are identified by effective listening. Health information is shared in appropriate cultural and language terms. Basic counseling skills are demonstrated. Continual support and follow-up is provided.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
- Team Collaboration: Demonstrate understanding of the roles, functions, and relationships of all team members. Enhance team functioning through appropriate attitude and behavior. Clinical information is communicated clearly to other team members and supervising medical practitioners.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:
- Documentation: Patient records and medico-legal forms reflect all relevant information accurately. Patient referral letters are completed appropriately. Patient statistics are complete and accurate.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9:
- Ethical Practice: Explanation is given to the patient about the role and functions of a clinical associate. Basic ethical principles are applied. Ethical problems are managed appropriately. Professional obligations are complied with.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10:
- Self-Reflection: Professional strengths and weaknesses are identified by reflecting on clinical practice. Clinical practice is continually improved through self-directed learning.
Associated Assessment Criterion/Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 11:
- Community Integration: Each patient is assessed and managed within the context of their family and community. Knowledge of the local district health system informs practice. Understand and participate in local community-oriented primary care.
Integrated Assessment:
- Integration of Knowledge: The student will be continuously assessed on integrating medical and clinical sciences in the clinical situation through various assessment techniques. Integration of practical, theoretical, and reflective competence will be evaluated. Formative integrated assessment will take place during seminars, discussions, and tutorials.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 432
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
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.