On 06 October 2023, the Clinical Associates Research Symposium was held to emphasize the essential contributions of clinical associates throughout the healthcare system. The event, hosted by the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria (UP), aims to raise academic awareness of this vital profession.

The event featured a line-up of esteemed attendees, including Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, MEC of Health and Wellness in Gauteng, who emphasised the symposium’s importance. During her address, she celebrated the invaluable role that clinical associates play in the healthcare sector, and underlined the necessity for policy reforms to bolster and elevate their contributions.

“We understand the important role that they play in enhancing healthcare delivery, and it is with a solid dedication that we pledge to nurture their professional growth and ensure their continued success,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.

She commended the event for fostering collaboration, and recognised the pivotal role that universities play in training clinical associates. The MEC praised UP for its innovative training platforms that extend into primary healthcare facilities and communities. Her address stressed the importance of policy clarity regarding clinical associates, defining their job specifications, scope of practice and career progression.

The symposium marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of healthcare excellence, and acknowledged clinical associates for their expertise and seamless collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. It also highlighted the strengthening partnership between the Gauteng Department of Health and UP with a focus on comprehensive training and integrating clinical associates into the healthcare delivery framework.

Professor Tiaan de Jager, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, expressed gratitude to the MEC and the Health and Wellness Management team for their swift and dedicated action. He highlighted the strategic introduction of clinical associates in South Africa in 2008 to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers, particularly doctors. In Gauteng two universities, UP and the University of the Witwatersrand, offer this specialised health sciences profession.

Prof Tiaan de Jager, the Dean of the Faculty of Healthsciences 

Professor de Jager acknowledged the indispensable role Clinical Associates play in the dynamic healthcare system of Gauteng. They are fully engaged in primary healthcare settings, making informed admissions and referrals, prescribing essential medicines, and providing critical support in clinics, community health centers, and district hospitals.

Dr. Saiendhra Moodley from the School of Health Systems and Public Health unveiled ground-breaking findings regarding Clinical Associates' potential role in South African mental health. His presentation, part of a three-year research endeavor, illuminated the transformative power of task-sharing in mental health service provision.

Dr. Moodley's research journey encompassed three phases, shedding light on Clinical Associates' role in addressing South Africa's mental health challenges. The research highlighted gaps in undergraduate training and the need for further education in mental health.

Dr. Saiendhra Moodley from the School of Health Systems and Public Health presents findings from mental health research.

Key mental health tasks identified for Clinical Associates included stabilising patients in emergencies, conducting outpatient follow-ups, engaging in community outreach, and providing support for medication adherence. However, gaps in undergraduate training were identified, particularly in terms of exposure to mental health units. Recommendations included the introduction of short courses in mental health to bridge these educational gaps.

Phase 2 uncovered intriguing insights into the readiness of practicing Clinical Associates. While a majority had received some mental health training during their undergraduate education, only a small percentage had undergone additional mental health training post-qualification. Nevertheless, most expressed their enthusiasm for engaging in mental health work.

The ongoing Phase 3, which continues to gather expert opinions through a Delphi survey, promises to refine the role of Clinical Associates in mental health service provision. The research outcomes stand to influence future policies, curricula, and training programs.

Dr. Saiendhra Moodley's presentation at the symposium marked a significant turning point in the quest to maximize the potential of Clinical Associates in mental health service delivery. Their research has the potential to usher in a more accessible, comprehensive, and effective mental healthcare system in South Africa.

Dr. Murray Louw, BCMP Department of Family Medicine at UP Faculty of Health Sciences, emphasised the role of electronic logbooks (e-log books) in shaping student training experiences. The study revealed the quality of training for BCMP students and their impact on healthcare services in South Africa.

Student training experiences: Dr. Murray Louw, BCMP Department of Family Medicine 

Scott Smalley, Division of Clinical Associates, Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care at Wits Faculty of Health Sciences, addressed the pressing issue of healthcare workforce shortages and the role of Physician Assistants (PAs) in addressing this challenge. He advocated for global recognition of PAs and outlined the challenges they face in various countries.

Smalley and his team conducted a comprehensive research study aimed at cataloguing the global contributions of PAs, promoting their recognition, and identifying gaps in their role. The study aims to empower PAs to contribute more effectively to global healthcare.

Scott Smalley presented on the global recognition for physician assistants 

In the concluding segment of the symposium, a panel discussion assembled distinguished academic leaders, a representative from the Professional Association of Clinical Associates in South Africa, a clinical associate student and a representative from the National Department of Health. Together, they offered a multifaceted perspective of the clinical associates programme. Their discussions encompassed its historical context, alignment with national healthcare policies, the profession's inherent challenges and the real-world experiences of students. These insights underscored the profound intricacies of this vital healthcare profession. As a fitting climax to the symposium, the panel discussion exemplified the imperative for ongoing dialogue and collaborative efforts to shape the future of clinical associates within the healthcare landscape.