The role of the College of Medicine of South Africa Diploma in Anaesthesia in southern Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the role that the College of Medicine Diploma in Anaesthesia (DA) plays in health services in southern Africa.


METHODS
A postal questionnaire. MAIN INFORMATION SOUGHT: Reasons for doing the DA, percentage of diplomates still actively involved in anaesthesia, career pathways of diplomates, perceived value of the DA, geography and type of anaesthetic practice of diplomates, and participation in continuing medical education.


METHODS
The 1,096 candidates who passed the DA between 1974 and 1993.


METHODS
Questionnaires were sent to all 861 diplomates with known addresses.


RESULTS
The response rate was 62.1% (535/861). Over 70% of diplomates are still actively involved in anaesthesia. Approximately one-third of all diplomates specialize in anaesthesia. The majority of GP anaesthetists with the DA have trained in anaesthesia for more than 1 year. Thirty-three per cent of GP anaesthetists work in small towns or rural areas. Nearly 20% of GP anaesthetists spend more than 75% of their time in anaesthetic practice. Twenty-eight diplomates are working in southern African countries outside South Africa. The DA is perceived to have been of value by the majority of specialist and non-specialist diplomates.


CONCLUSIONS
Diplomates are playing a valuable role in anaesthesia throughout the southern African region.
Gordon
P C
PC
Anaesthesia, University of Cape Town.F1 The role of the College of mF1
James
M F
MF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D002321:Career Choice; D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000592:standards; D013019:South Africa; D000078329:Workforce