Skill mix changes: substitution or service development?

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

An extensive review of published studies where doctors were replaced by other health professions demonstrates considerable scope for alterations in skill mix. However, the studies reported are often dated and have design deficiencies. In health services world-wide there is a policy focus which emphasises the substitution of nurses in particular for doctors. However, this substitution may not be real and increased roles for non-physician personnel may result in service development/enhancement rather than labour substitution. Further study of skill mix changes and whether non-physician personnel are being used as substitutes or complements for doctors is required urgently. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)119-132
Number of pages14
JournalHealth Policy
Volume45
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Aug 1998

Keywords

  • skill mix
  • substitution
  • cost-effectiveness
  • NURSE PRACTITIONER
  • PHYSICIAN-ASSISTANTS
  • GENERAL-PRACTICE
  • CARE
  • WORK
  • RESIDENTS

Cite this