What is a CO or PA?

A registered Clinical Practitioner who provide advisory, diagnostic, curative, emergency and preventive medical services for diseases and disorders common in their region in a variety of healthcare settings. They work autonomously or collaboratively with the interprofessional healthcare team with the ability to task share and perform clinical, therapeutic and surgical procedures for treating and preventing diseases, injuries and other physical or mental impairments common to specific communities. They may conduct medical education and research activities; and are involved in public health activities. (IAPAE; GACOPA 2024)

Broad Roles;

1. Advisory health
2. Preventive health
3. Curative health
4. Rehabilitative health
5. Promotive health

Specific Task  –

1. Conduct physical examinations of patients and interviewing them and their families to determine their health status, and recording patients’ medical information;
2. Perform routine or advanced medical and surgical procedures, including prescribing and administering treatments, medications and other preventive, emergency or curative measures, especially for common diseases and disorders in a variety of healthcare settings;
3. Administer ordering, and analyzing diagnostic tests, such as X-ray, electrocardiogram, laboratory tests, ultrasound and other studies and images to understand disorders or illnesses;
4. Perform clinical and therapeutic procedures such as intubation, injections, immunizations, suturing and wound care, and infection management;
5. Perform minor and routine surgical procedures and assisting specialist medical doctors with complex surgical procedures;
6. Monitor patients’ progress and response to treatment, and identifying signs and symptoms requiring referral to specialists;
7. Advising patients and families on diet, exercise and other habits which aid prevention or treatment of disease and disorders;
8. Identify and referring complex or unusual cases to specialists medical doctors, hospitals or other places for specialized care;
9. Report births, deaths and notifiable diseases to government authorities to meet legal and professional reporting requirements;
10. Conduct and assisting with research into human disorders and illness and preventative or curative methods;
11. Involved in public health encompassing a population focus, community orientation, ethics, prevention, equity, inclusion, accountability and social justice.