Validity of the register of medical practitioners for manpower planning. Results and recommendations from a postal sample survey.
A postal survey was conducted to assess the validity of the register of medical practitioners held by the South African Medical and Dental Council. This register has been used by researchers as a data source for assessing the distribution of medical practitioners. The register is not adequate for this function unless adjusted by sample survey results. Crucially, it overestimates rural and homeland doctor resources. The survey also revealed under-representation of women as doctors (17% of all doctors are women) and as specialists (6% of all specialists are women) and unavailability due to retirement of registered doctors as service providers (6% of all registered doctors are retired), particularly in community health (24%). Collection of this information at annual registration is recommended, along with the establishment of an 'overseas' section of the South African register. Failure to implement these recommendations will seriously impede health services research.
Zwarenstein
M
M
Centre for Epidemiological Research, Southern Africa.
Youngleson
M
M
Botha
J L
JL
D003815:Dentists / Q000600:supply & distribution; D009276:Namibia; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D012042:Registries; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires