Legislation of competencies and opportunities for specialization of feldshers and physician assistants in primary health care

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The changing health needs of the population in terms of deficit and uneven distribution of medical staff, the increase in the cost of medical services and limited financial resources define the legislation for professional realization of feldshers and physician assistants as topical issue. AIM: The aim of this paper is to explore: • the legal regulation of the professional activities and competencies of feldshers and the possibilities for specialization with a focus on primary health care (PHC); • the training of physician assistants for a career in PHC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of legal documents with regard to the professional realization and specialization of practicing feldschers and training of physician assistants was performed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The health care field professions Feldsher and Physician Assistant have different names but are characterized by similarity. The professionals are trained following a medical model, which differs from that for doctors by its accelerated pace and shorter time to acquire professional competencies and develop practical skills during the training. The competence of the professionals involves carrying out activities for overall care of patients by diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The certain degree of autonomy in their professional activities determines that feldshers and physician assistants are capable of supporting medical practices in PHC, mainly in small and remote locations. The analysis of the active regulatory documents determines the legislative regulation of: competencies and the opportunity for specialization in PHC for the practicing feldshers; training of physician assistants for a career in PHC. The conclusions of the study outline prospects for employment of feldschers and physician assistants in PHC.