SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94851  Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  128  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this Postgraduate Diploma is to enable working general practitioners to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in Family Medicine.
The qualification is aligned to the national department of health's priorities of re-engineering of primary health care services. The qualification will address several of the Millennium development goals, with focus on HIV/AIDS/TB through the acute and chronic disease module.
Using the philosophies and principles of Family Medicine, the programme will enable doctors to comprehensively manage common obstetric, paediatric, medical, surgical and psychiatric conditions and emergencies that are present initially as undifferentiated problems.
The qualification will serve to consolidate and deepen a learner's understanding of theoretical concepts and mastery of essential generalist skills that were the foundations of undergraduate training.
This qualification will require high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. By stimulating research reporting through critical reading, learners will be encouraged to develop research concepts and proceed to Masters level research qualification.
Furthermore, the qualification provides for recognition by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for the purpose of accreditation required by the National Health Insurance.

Rationale:
Family Medicine has only recently (2007) been recognised as a specialty in South Africa and the Family physician is generally regarded as the backbone of primary health care. It is well known that there are huge challenges in the development of primary health care in South Africa which has led the National Department of Health to focus on re-engineering of this facet of health care. The role of the Family Physician has never been so important in the process of re-aligning Family Medicine to focus on the primary health needs of the population.

About a decade ago, family medicine did not feature in the undergraduate medical curriculum and the emphasis was placed on vertical specialisation. Generalist training was acquired through experience with no formal Postgraduate training in the generalist domain.

This has led to a significant decline in the skills and knowledge amongst general practitioners with the current concepts and with the rapid advancement of knowledge through research and evidence based processes. Many current general practitioners have not had the opportunity to update their knowledge and keep abreast with medical advances or with the changes in the health priorities of the country. The increased availability of pharmaceuticals, the changing treatment protocols and the shift in focus to preventative care are current challenges that general practitioners are faced with.

This Postgraduate qualification will therefore serve to expand the knowledge and skills base of general practitioners through the exposure to evidence based and current concepts in Family Medicine, focusing on primary health care.

Younger learners on the other hand can benefit from the Postgraduate qualification by enhancing and consolidating knowledge and skills acquired in the undergraduate programme. The shift in focus to primary health care and general practice with continuous learning will motivate, encourage and provide confidence in young doctors to work in rural areas where the health needs of the country are needed most.

Completion of the diploma will provide general practitioners the opportunity to embark on further careers in Family Medicine through research at Masters and Doctoral level.

A further rationale for this qualification is the requirement by the National Department of Health for all general practitioners to undergo an accredited Postgraduate training programme in general practice in order to ensure the success of the proposed implementation of the National Health Insurance plan. The qualification will allow this objective to be achieved. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learner (RPL):

The university's policy on RPL stipulates the following principles on which Prior Learning will be recognised:
  • Assessment must recognise learning from experience, and not simply experience.
  • Assessment of learning must be based on evidence.
  • The learning assessed must be related to the purpose for which the recognition is required.
  • Learning must be assessed against the learning outcomes (and not primarily the content) of specific qualifications and/or modules.
  • The learning must be assessed as sufficient and current.
  • Quality assurance procedures must guarantee the integrity and credibility of the assessment.

    Using these principles, candidates seeking to enter the Postgraduate qualification must demonstrate their Prior Leaning experience.
  • In an interview with the qualification director/qualification team.
  • By presenting a portfolio of their work experience.
  • And/or writing a formal entrance test.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Admission to this qualification is a Bachelor in Medicine (MBBS, MBChB/equivalent qualification). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 4 compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 128 Credits:
  • Principles and tools of Family Medicine 32 Credits.
  • Personal and Family Health, 32 Credits.
  • Comprehensive Management of Infectious Diseases, 32 Credits.
  • Acute and Chronic Diseases, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage medical, paediatric and surgical emergencies within the South African context of limited resources and to use the knowledge of lifestyle illnesses (pathophysiology, presentation, complications and management) to practice holistic medicine from the biopsycho social frame work.
    2. An understanding of practice management - within the South African context of limited resources, to have appropriate knowledge and skills to manage commonly occurring infectious diseases and to use the necessary knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and evidence based learning in the field to manage terminally ill patients in a culturally diverse South Africa.
    3. Provide health promoting and preventative care to mothers and children as well curative care as well as acquire necessary knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and evidence based learning in the field of Human Sexuality to manage patients in a culturally diverse South Africa.
    4. Knowledge of the principles and tools of Family Medicine to practice holistic medicine from the bio psycho social frame work, and a developmental framework as well as using a theoretical framework for evidence based practice and practicing medicine in an ethical and professional manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Common emergencies are managed appropriately.
  • A through clinical examination is performed.
  • Clinical reasoning behind the use of special investigations is provided and the use of special investigations is justified.
  • The management of patients is critiqued using standard treatment guidelines.
  • Information on burden of disease/disease profile at a service site is gathered and analysed and a report is compiled.
  • Communication is carried out in a clear and patient centered manner.
  • An ethical dilemma in emergency care is analysed and the pros and cons of the different ways in which the dilemma could be resolved are discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A SWOT analysis of a practice or work area is carried out and the financial, human resource requirements and information management for running a practice/ work area are outlined.
  • Drug interactions or a drug induced side effect and the management of common side effects are identified and discussed.
  • The management of patients is critiqued using standard treatment guidelines.
  • A plan for improving the quality of services provided in the practice or in the HIV clinic is developed and implemented.
  • A comprehensive history (bio-psychosocial) using the tools of Family Medicine (ecomap and genogram) is taken and a 3 stage assessment and comprehensive management plan in managing patients presenting with infectious illnesses is developed.
  • A thorough clinical examination is performed.
  • The clinical reasoning behind the use of special investigations is explained and a justification for their use is provided.
  • Analysis of an ethical dilemma is carried out, the ethical issues arising from the care of HIV infected patients are discussed and the pros and cons of the different ways in which the dilemma could be resolved are outlined.
  • Communication is carried out in a clear and patient centered-manner.
  • Bad news to a patient with a terminal condition is communicated in a sympathetic and patient centered-manner.
  • The pain symptoms of a patient with a terminal condition are assessed and managed using the WHO pain ladder.
  • Members of the health care team are included in the management plans that are developed for the management of a patient with a terminal condition.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The procedure of admitting a patient under the Mental Health Act is carried out.
  • Patients presenting with acute psychosis are diagnosed and managed appropriately.
  • Mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders are diagnosed and managed appropriately.
  • The management of patients against standard treatment guidelines is critiqued.
  • Behaviour change models are described and applied appropriately in the clinical context e.g. smoking cessation.
  • Antenatal care for both the low risk and high risk mother is appropriately provided in the clinical context.
  • The quality of services provided is assessed using routine data and recommendations based on this data about service improvements are made.
  • Obstetric emergencies are appropriately managed.
  • Neonates needing resuscitation are appropriately managed.
  • The quality of maternal health services provided at a District hospital using maternal and perinatal health measures is analysed and recommendations for improvement are made.
  • Children are assessed and managed comprehensively using the IMCI guidelines.
  • Patients are screened, counselled and managed appropriately for common sexual disorders.
  • Patients presenting with sexual dysfunction are managed in a sensitive and understanding manner.
  • Therapies available for the management of common sexual problems are discussed and applied appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The principals of Family Medicine in are used in patient consultation.
  • The three stage assessment and the Stott and Davis model is applied in clinical practice.
  • A comprehensive history (bio-psychosocial) is taken, the tools of Family Medicine (ecomap and genogram) are used and a 3 stage assessment and comprehensive management plan in managing patients with differentiated and undifferentiated problems is developed.
  • Communication is conducted clearly in a patient cantered manner.
  • The application and integration of contextualised knowledge through self-directed study is applied to the practice of medicine.
  • The research methodology is criticised, the results and the statistical methods are evaluated and conclusions presented are justified.
  • An ethical dilemma in practice is analysed using the ethical pillars of medicine and pros and cons of the different ways in which the dilemma could be resolved are outlined.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Each module will have a number of tasks and assignments which need to be completed. Fifty percent of the module mark will come from tasks assigned to the learners and the remaining fifty percent will come from the written and skills examination at the end of the module.
    Formative and summative assessment:
    Feedback will be provided on all assignments submitted and on all presentations. Marking Guidelines will be provided for each written examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparative analysis was conducted to ensure that the South African-based qualification compares with or relates to similar qualifications offered internationally. The aspects that were compared were the purpose statements of the qualifications as well as the entry requirements.

    University of West Indies:
    University of West Indies offers the Diploma in Family Medicine. The qualification is based on the principles of primary care medicine and the widely recognised professional characteristics of the primary care physician. It takes into account the health care requirements of the population and expressed needs of the general practitioners in the Caribbean for further professional education and advancement.

    Objectives:
  • To provide education and training in family medicine relevant to the needs of the Caribbean community.
  • To stimulate the professional development of the general practitioners based on their existing experience, and to enhance their competence and ability to function effectively and efficiently as primary care physicians in the reformed health sector.
  • To provide continuing education base for the development of a career structure for primary care physicians.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners seeking entry to the Diploma qualification in Family Medicine must possess a Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae (MBBS) Degree or Bachelor of Medicine or equivalent from an approved university.

    The University of Otago in New Zealand:
    The discipline of general practice involves comprehensive, continuing, community-based medical care of individuals and families for a defined practice population. There is an emphasis on prevention of disease and the earliest possible identification and intervention. The diploma provides an opportunity to address these issues, as well as other issues such as travel and migrant medicine, rural hospital practice, sexual health, and palliative care.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice (PGDipGP) is now a prerequisite for proceeding to the Master of General Practice (MGP) Degree. Learners of the qualification will have undertaken an approved programme that is specifically focused towards the varied needs of the general medical practitioner who wishes to take the opportunity of higher educational achievement. It can be tailored to meet the educational needs of the individual, and the qualification can have either an emphasis on understanding of the traditional philosophical basis of general practice, on facets of teaching and learning, on research, on clinical subjects, or on any combination of these.

    Learners will gain a sound understanding of the nature and practice of general practice, advanced clinical training in personally selected areas of practice, and experience in working with other doctors involved in the discipline.

    Admission to the Qualification:
    Every applicant shall:
  • Have been admitted to the Degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of a university in New Zealand or hold an equivalent medical qualification approved by the Academic Board of the Faculty of Medicine.
  • Have commenced or completed formal vocational training for general practice.

    Conclusion:
    It has been found that the South African based qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of the purpose and entry requirements. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine enables both horizontal and vertical articulation with relevant cognate qualifications. In meeting the requirements learners may progress vertically to the Masters or NQF Exit Level 9 qualifications in relevant cognate study areas, such Master of Medicine: Emergency Medicine or Master of Medicine, Medicine. In addition, successful learners may articulate horizontally to other relevant cognate on NQF Exit Level 8 such as Bachelor Degree in Emergency Medical Care. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    1. Manage medical, paediatric and surgical emergencies within the South African context of limited resources and to use the knowledge of lifestyle illnesses (pathophysiology, presentation, complications and management) to practice holistic medicine from the biopsycho social frame work.
    2. An understanding of practice management - within the South African context of limited resources, to have appropriate knowledge and skills to manage commonly occurring infectious diseases and to use the necessary knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and evidence based learning in the field to manage terminally ill patients in a culturally diverse South Africa.
    3. Provide health promoting and preventative care to mothers and children as well curative care as well as acquire necessary knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and evidence based learning in the field of Human Sexuality to manage patients in a culturally diverse South Africa.
    4. Knowledge of the principles and tools of Family Medicine to practice holistic medicine from the bio psycho social frame work, and a developmental framework as well as using a theoretical framework for evidence based practice and practicing medicine in an ethical and professional manner. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. University of KwaZulu-Natal 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.