SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Medicine in Anaesthesiology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
122762	Master of Medicine in Anaesthesiology
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0526/24	2024-08-22	2027-08-22
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-08-22		2031-08-22

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to train specialist Anaesthesiologists who are medical practitioners, skilled in the delivery of Anaesthetics and pain management for surgical operations and critically ill patients. The role of Anaesthesiology to support the surgical disciplines is integral in improving access to health care for surgically treatable diseases.

Qualified Anaesthesiologists work mainly in the operating theatre to give anaesthesia for operations. These operations have a wide variety of complexity from cardiac surgery to neurosurgery and paediatric surgery, to name a few. Their skillset also allows them to support other areas of the health system that require the skilled management of sick patients, resuscitation and performance of emergency procedures, and pain management. As specialists, they are also trained to manage the logistics of access to safe surgery for patients, triaging, and health quality improvement.

Graduates will apply academic knowledge, skills, principles, and methods to support research and service in the perioperative environment, having the necessary knowledge, skills, professional thinking, behaviour, and attitudes to become scientists and educators in Anaesthesiology.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, successful learners will be able to:

Apply the basic principles of Anaesthesiology.

Provide evidence of competence in Anaesthetic practice in multiple sub-disciplines within Anaesthesiology.

Design and undertake a research project and write a mini dissertation in Anaesthesiology.

Teach basic Anaesthesiology to other health professions' undergraduate learners.

Rationale:
There is a shortage of specialists in Anaesthesiology, particularly in remote rural areas such as the Eastern Cape. This threatens the quality of health care delivery and training in the perioperative disciplines.

The qualification is a pathway to training specialist anaesthesiologists. These are medical doctors specialised in managing perioperative patients, giving safe anaesthesia in the operating room for high-risk patients, training general medical doctors in anaesthesia for less ill patients, and performing of resuscitation and life-saving procedures. The qualification focuses also on developing the potential for research in the field.

Lower-middle-income countries such as South Africa have been shown to have poor health outcomes from poor access to surgery, as such, initiatives to train Anaesthesiologists are part of global strategies to address the issue of poor access to surgery. A recent enquiry on the Anaesthesiology workforce in Southern and East Africa revealed that the numbers of anaesthesiologists in these countries are still far below all international recommendations constituting only about 5% of the minimum recommended figures for low-income countries (LMICs). Also, Anaesthesiologists are highly concentrated in the major cities of the region, with few in provincial and rural areas. (Asingei et al, 2023).

Nonetheless, all trends suggest huge opportunities for advancing the training of more anaesthesiologists to serve in rural areas. The qualification will contribute to increasing the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to enable the future development of Anaesthesiology.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of prior learning is limited in this qualification as it is a highly specialised discipline and is not transferable to other disciplines such as Internal Medicine.

Trainees with prior master's and PhD degrees are still required to conduct research and submit a mini dissertation in Anaesthesiology and Perioperative medicine, during their four years in the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
And

Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent practitioner, (with internship and community service experience).
Or

Appropriate approval from HPCSA indicating eligibility for postgraduate registrar training in the case of foreign medical graduates.
And

Registration with HPCSA in an accredited training number for Anaesthesiology.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 09 totalling 480 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 480 Credits:

Research: Mini Dissertation, 60 Credits.

Basics of Anaesthesiology, 60 Credits.

Airway management, 40 Credits.

Pain Management, 40 Credits.

Regional and local anaesthesia, 40 Credits.

Perioperative Care, 80 Credits.

Quality of Practice, 40 Credits.

Specialised Areas of Practice, 120 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate the ability to integrate the scientific knowledge and skills to administer and supervise simple and complicated anaesthetics in the general and specialized disciplines of Anaesthesiology; and evaluate and solve complex clinical problems in the Anaesthesiology field, making creative decisions using critical and creative thinking and to bring relevant, innovative, impactful solutions to perioperative clinical problems and other connected health care areas.
2. Demonstrate the ability to effectively co-operate with other colleagues in the discipline and across medical and other health disciplines as a perioperative team member.
3. Engage with others to contribute towards the actualisation of the vision of a high-quality healthcare system and take responsibility for delivering excellent patient care through activities as an anaesthesiologist and perioperative physician, administrator, scholar, and teacher.
4. Demonstrate the ability to organize and manage themselves and their activities in a responsible and efficient manner, representing the Anaesthesiology discipline well.
5. Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate, and apply information, including the habit of frequent referral to textbooks, journals and all other possible sources concerning Anaesthesiology, keeping abreast of recent developments within the field. Be versatile and open-minded in the approach to solving health system-related issues, considering modern solutions that utilise technology and data.
6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through oral or written debate, including the ability to use current information technology and present and defend information in a scientific and accountable manner.
7. Demonstrate the ability to utilize science and technology effectively and critically, always in a manner which demonstrates responsibility towards the environment and the health of others, including patients and colleagues, to ensure the sustainability of the health system's resources.
8. Demonstrate the ability to plan, execute, complete, and write up a research project to generate new knowledge and improve current practice and care quality. This outcome comprises combinations of skills in critical thinking, evaluation of information and creation of new knowledge, though to a limited extent compared to doctoral study.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Integrate the scientific knowledge and skills to administer and supervise simple and complicated Anaesthetics in the general and specialized disciplines of Anaesthesiology.

Identify and solve clinical problems in the Anaesthesiology field, making creative decisions using critical and creative thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Co-operate with other colleagues in the discipline and across medical and other health disciplines as a member of a perioperative team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Deliver excellent patient care as an anaesthesiologist and perioperative physician, administrator, scholar, and teacher.

Improve patient care to reduce inequalities in health care delivery to optimise the use of health care resources in society.

Teach, through clinical practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to the advanced level to other professionals.

Communicate this knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising interns and more junior colleagues in the speciality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Organize and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and efficiently.

Utilise resources in an equitable manner and just access for all members of society and sustainability of the service.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate, and apply information, including the habit of frequent referral to textbooks, journals and all other possible sources concerning Anaesthesiology to keep abreast of recent developments within the field.

Be versatile and open-minded in the approach to solving health system-related issues, considering modern solutions that utilise technology and data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Effectively and critically utilise science and technology to demonstrate responsibility towards the environment and the health of others, including patients and colleagues.

Communicate effectively through oral or written debate and use current information technology.

Present and defend information in a scientific and accountable manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Demonstrate humaneness and sensitivity to ethical issues, cultural norms and diversity in health care concerning patients and colleagues.

Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture, and way of life.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Plan, execute, complete, and write up a research project to generate new knowledge and improve current practice and care quality.

Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal, and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Comparison has been done against qualifications offered by reputable international institutions to appreciate what is typical of this level and type of qualification, in relation to graduate profiling, scope and depth of content, to ascertain international comparability and articulation of the qualification.

Country: United Kingdom (UK)
Institution: The Royal College of Anaesthetists
Qualification Title: Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA)
Duration: 4 years full-time

The Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body responsible for the speciality throughout the UK, and it ensures the quality of patient care through the maintenance of standards in anaesthesia, critical care, and pain medicine.

The FRCA examinations provide anaesthetists in training with the opportunity to demonstrate the required outcomes of the curriculum and determine satisfactory progression at each critical progression point within their training programme. The FRCA examinations are also open to anaesthetic doctors who are not in an approved training programme. The examination for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA) consists of two parts: the Primary and the Final FRCA exams, with usually three and two sittings per year, respectively. These exams are open to Specialist, Associate Specialist and Specialty Doctors (SAS) and locally employed anaesthetists (conditions apply). Passing these exams can further the career and fulfil the requirements for a test of knowledge for a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist registration (CESR)/portfolio pathway application.

Similarities:

The admission requirements for FRCA examinations are anaesthetic doctors similar to the South African (SA) qualification.

The competencies from both qualifications are similarly aligned to those required for registration and accreditation with professional bodies such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the General Medical Council of the UK.

The purpose of the SA and UK qualifications is to produce highly competent specialist medical anesthesiologists.

Differences:

The Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA)) is not an academic qualification but a requirement of the UK General Medical Council and the Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body responsible for the speciality to ensure the quality of patient care through the maintenance of standards in anaesthesia, critical care, and pain medicine whereas the SA qualification is an academic qualification accredited by the HPCSA.

Institution: Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS)
Qualification Title: Master of Science in Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
Duration: 3 years part-time
NQF Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 7
Entry requirements:
Learners should have a medical degree plus a minimum of two years of UK National Health Service (NHS) experience in anaesthesia. Learners are normally expected to be in clinical practice throughout the course.

The Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine qualification is based on areas of clinical practice and professional skills that are relevant to all anaesthetic trainees. The qualification also includes modules which enable learners to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional skills essential for a successful career in the NHS.

This qualification is intended to provide anaesthetists with the clinical and professional skills they need to achieve high levels of success in consultancy practice.
Learners will be able to develop the skills to become the high-achieving consultants and clinical leaders of the future. Tuition is provided in both clinical practice and key professional skills including leadership, service development, research, and an appreciation of evidence-based practice.

Qualification structure:
The qualification consists of the following Postgraduate Certificate plus Postgraduate Diploma modules and the Dissertation.

Assessment and Optimisation, 20 Credits.

High-Risk Anaesthesia, 20 Credits comparable to Basics of Anaesthesiology.

Research Methods and Critical Appraisal, 20 Credits.

Emergency Care, 20 Credits.

Leadership and Change Management in Clinical Services, 20 Credits.

Communication, Learning and Teaching in Health and Social Care, 20 Credits.

Dissertation, 60 Credits comparable to Research: Mini Dissertation.

Similarities:

The Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who completed medical degree and be registered with the relevant Professional Body.

Both qualifications aim to produce competent specialist anaesthesiologists.

The competencies resulting from the BSMS qualification are similarly aligned to those required for registration and accreditation with professional bodies such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the General Medical Council of the UK.

Differences:

The SA qualification is registered at SA NQF Level 8 while the BSMS qualification is registered at RQF Level 7

The BSMS qualification is offered over three years of part-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over four years of full-time study.

Country: Canada
Institution: Canadian Royal College
Qualification Title: Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA)
Duration: Duration: 4 years, full time
Entry Requirements:
Open to SAS and locally employed anaesthetists

Similarities:

The Canadian Royal College (CRC) qualification and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over four years of full-time study.

Both qualifications consist of two similar summative examinations at the same stages of the qualifications.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:
There is no horizontal articulation for this qualification due to the differences in modules.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Medicine, NQF Level 10.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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