Survey of surgical training and experience of associate clinicians compared with medical officers to understand task‐shifting in a low‐income country

摘要: Author(s): Passman, J; Oresanya, LB; Akoko, L; Mwanga, A; Mkony, CA; O'Sullivan, P; Dicker, RA; Lofgren, Beard, JH | Abstract: BackgroundA workforce crisis exists in global surgery. One solution is task-shifting, the delegation of surgical tasks to non-physician clinicians or associate (ACs). Although several studies have shown that ACs similar postoperative outcomes compared with physicians, little known about their training. This study aimed characterize training and experience medical officers (MOs) Tanzania.MethodsAll care providers Pwani Region, Tanzania, were surveyed. Participants reported demographic data, years training, procedures assisted performed during They answered open-ended questions post-training experience. The median number cases for commonly was by cadre using Wilcoxon rank sum Student's t tests. researchers modified content analysis participants' answers on needs experiences.ResultsA total 21 12 MOs participated. higher exposure than before first independent operation (median 40 versus 17 respectively; Pn=n0·031). There no difference between volume across common 150 171 cases; Pn=n0·995). Both groups reflected similarly upon Each relied other support teaching, but noted insufficient specialist supervision practice.ConclusionsACs report operative physician colleagues Tanzania.