Medical Assistants… developing a role in primary care

Abbe Anderson discusses the role and training of Medical Assistants in primary care. Medical assistants undertake a variety of administrative, reception and clinical duties in a primary care setting work under the supervision of doctors, nurses or practice managers. A 12 month TAFE course has been developed to train staff for this role. The clinical tasks that can be undertaken by medical assistants include wound dressings; venepuncture; and vision, hearing, height, weight and blood pressure checks. This role potentially provides flexibility of staffing in medical practices, with medical assistants undertaking administrative or clinical duties as required, freeing up nursing time for chronic disease management and more complex tasks. It also formalises and provides specific training for a role many medical receptionists have already partially undertaken in the primary care setting.

Source: Australian Family Physician audio - July 31, 2009 Category: Primary Care Authors: The Royal Australian College Of General Practitioners Tags: Podcasts Source Type: podcasts