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A Review of the Training of Mid-level Health Cadres in South Africa

Health Sciences Research
Vol.4 , No. 5, Publication Date: Sep. 20, 2017, Page: 21-28

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Authors

[1]	Loveness Tapiwa Satande, School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; American International Health Alliance, South Africa Regional Office, Pretoria, South Africa.

Abstract

Shortage of human resources of health has resulted in the establishment of a cadre of healthcare workers called mid-level health care workers. In South Africa these mid-level workers are called Clinical Associates. Literature that focuses on the rationale behind the introduction of midlevel workers, the nature of the training, the challenges being faced in training and deployment as well as measures to address challenges was reviewed. Reference was drawn on the training of Clinical Associates in South Africa to assess the extent to which the cadre will address health care worker shortages. The findings show that if mid-level healthcare workers are sufficiently trained, sustained and incorporated soundly into the health care system they can essentially contribute to the development of the quality of healthcare and in the process address the critical shortage of health care workers. The growth of the cadre should have precedence amongst the policy preferences deliberated by nations facing deficiency and uneven distribution challenges. Enhanced education, administration, management and guideline practices and proper incorporation of the cadre into the health system have the prospective to make the best out of the advantages from utilising these cadres.

Keywords

Clinical Associates, Mid-Level Healthcare Workers, Training, Review, South Africa

Reference

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