Non-specialist emergency medicine qualifications in Africa: Lessons from the South African Diploma in Primary Emergency Care

Introduction: Non-specialist emergency medicine qualifications are an important step in developing the specialty of emergency medicine. The Diploma in Primary Emergency Care (Dip PEC) of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa is one of the oldest registrable qualifications. Reviewing its changing role over time has lessons for academics developing Emergency Medicine training in Africa.

Methods: Through a series of meetings and stakeholder engagements, the Council of the College of Emergency Medicine conducted a three year review of the qualification focusing on the curriculum, assessment processes, success rate and role of the qualification in the South African medical context. A survey of the perceptions of graduates over the last six years was also conducted.

Results: The survey showed candidate numbers increased dramatically from 2011 to 2017, resulting in an entry cap. Lessons identified included ensuring that the qualification is responsive to the state of development of emergency medicine in the country, needing aligned and valid assessment processes and maintaining the value of the qualification in context.

Discussion: Emergency medicine qualifications are dynamic in and of themselves and how they relate to their context. Program designers must prioritize ongoing evaluation from the start.