Optimizing rehabilitation post structures in the public sector Summary and Recommendations CPUT 11/08/11

Summary Unmet rehab needs have major social, economic and health impacts Public Rehab services fall seriously short of constitutional and health commitments and have been neglected as other services have been improved Dramatic scaling up of rehab services at PHC level is required, More posts, filling of vacant posts, better retention, greater recognition and better remuneration - HR plan is central to success Ready to contribute to policy and strategy on rehab and on planning for number and type of rehab workers

Summary 3 We are committed to scaling up rehab training as much as they can, but need additional material support from government, clarity on the target numbers and creation of sufficient posts. Ready to contribute to policy and strategy on rehab and on planning for number and type of rehab workers Can offer appropriate educational strategies including midlevel workers

Recommendations Universities Department of Health Professional bodies – HPCSA, prof boards, CHE

Universities Training to address SA needs Inter-professional education and collaboration Epidemiological research – stronger evidence base Bursaries Recruit rural students Innovative ways of training students by creating service platforms Sustainability of services only available when students present Mismatch between training and services realities

Universities 2 Graduate attributes Alignment of programmes with service needs Look at school health policy, maternal + child health strategy for HIV/AIDs documents - systems approach Attraction and retention of appropriate academic staff Clinical Teaching Platforms Clear about motivation Consult with disability alliance Training needs for MOPs

Department of Health Revisit human rights and social approach in health policy HR plan for rehabilitation Community service posts attached to training internship before comm service Partner with HEIs to strength services Midlevel worker career paths (name?) Task shifting Skills mix at district level Resolve OSD for rehabilitation

Department of Health 2 Handling of conditional grants Career pathing in public sector Joint appointments (HEIs/services) for rehab Re-engineering of PHC – strength with rehabilitation services Standardised structure of rehab services at all levels of health services Ward based teams

Professional bodies Flexibility in education and training policies Competencies of generic rehabilitation worker Introduce (physios, OTs,) as specialists Supervision by other therapists Scope of practice HEQF needs amendment - CHE