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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Haematology and Oncology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99637  Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Haematology and Oncology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to train practicing General Practitioners to develop skills in treating and managing children with complex Haematologic disorders and/or malignancy, particularly those from vulnerable populations affected by the neglected diseases of poverty and those reporting to health care facilities in resource-limited areas of Africa. Upon qualifying the General Practitioners will also be able to demonstrate proficiency in the Clinical Management of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology; specifically in the areas of recognition and diagnosis. In addition, they will develop practical skills and understand procedures and be able to interpret various test results.

Rationale:
It has been found that that there is a critical need for Doctors in resource-poor areas to gain skills in diagnosing and managing (often through referral) the most acute paediatric diseases. Therefore the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Haematology and Oncology has been developed to alleviate this need. The focus of this qualification will be on core diagnostic skills required at the point of first contact at health care facilities in resource-limited areas. The qualification will enable the General Practitioner to diagnose the clinical status of the patient and will enable him/her to make an informed referral to specific tertiary services thus optimising patient referral patterns for severe cases and reducing needless referrals for less severe conditions.

It is envisaged that general practitioners from the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme are likely to apply for this qualification - Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Haematology and Oncology as well as General Practitioners from the rest of Africa. The aim of this qualification is to build a network of skilled African health care professionals that are needed in areas where resources are limited in Africa. Furthermore, this qualification may also be useful to South African Doctors in resource-challenged health care settings, and may even attract Paediatricians who have not been exposed to these skills and techniques. This qualification will be beneficial for these Doctors to develop their capacity in child health through clinical service provision, training and research.

The African Paediatric Fellowship Programme (APFP) was established at the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Cape Town and the APFP has partnered with the Red Cross Children's Hospitals to enable Doctors to train at the Haematology/Oncology Unit of various hospitals. The Red Cross Children's Hospital is the largest children's hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa and they have a number of facilities in various areas in Africa.

Preference would be given to Doctors identified by their department heads as having the potential to oversee or contribute to local Paediatric Oncology services. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University's official Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be rigorously followed. Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL. An assessment of prior learning will be conducted to determine whether or not the applicant is at the level required for admission to the qualification. The process will be implemented in strict adherence to the relevant University's RPL Policy.

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can also be used to grant credits where applicable for the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Level 8 or an equivalent qualification.
    Or
  • Experience working in Paediatrics.
    Or
  • Doctors must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) by the time they start the qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 8 totalling 120 Credits:
  • Clinical Management in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, 90 Credits.
  • Transition and Translation of Knowledge, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Diagnose and manage various complex Haematologic conditions encountered in the neonate, and those related to HIV and TB, multiple transfusions and iron overload as well as be able to diagnose and manage oncological emergencies and all the common childhood tumours. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Diagnose and manage Haemaglobinopathies (including Sickle Cell Disease); complex Anaemias; Nutritional Anaemias; Thrombocytopenias and Acquired and Congenital Bleeding Conditions; Haematologic conditions encountered in the Neonate; Maematologic Manifestations of infections including HIV and TB; multiple transfusions and iron overload.
  • Diagnose and manage Acute Leukaemias of childhood, Wilms Tumour and Neuroblastoma, Hodgkin and Non Hodgkin Lymphoma including Burkitt lymphoma, soft tissue sarcomas, Retinoblastoma, bone tumours, brain tumours and HIV-associated malignancies.
  • Recognise and manage acute oncologic emergencies using knowledge of Supportive Care and Pain Management.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct procedures including the ability to interpret results, paediatric resuscitation and sedation.
  • Complete a logbook of clinical procedures implemented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment will be both formative (on-going) and summative. The learners' clinical skills and competencies will be assessed on an on-going basis and corrective action will be introduced where progress is unsatisfactory. The learner will be required to complete a logbook and the satisfactory completion of this logbook will show links between the skills training and theoretical knowledge to application in clinical practice. A formal formative assessment will be undertaken in three-monthly intervals to gauge the candidate's progress.

    In addition, learners will be required to complete a long essay whereby a learner will demonstrate how they applied their knowledge to their own clinical training situations.

    The summative assessment will consist of a case-based oral assessment and the submission of the long essay for assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The International Clinical Fellowship Programme (ICFP) provides a route for Doctors wishing to undergo structured and advanced Postgraduate Medical Training in Ireland. The ICFP enables suitably qualified overseas postgraduate Medical trainees to undertake a fixed period of active training in Clinical Services in Ireland. The programme is normally offered over one or two years of clinical training.

    This Programme will allow Doctors to access a structured period of training and experience as developed by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland to specifically to meet the clinical needs of Doctor's home country's health service.

    Aims:
    Upon satisfactory completion of the ICFP, the Doctor will be competent to undertake comprehensive Medical practice in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology in a professional manner, in keeping with the needs of the healthcare system.

    Competencies will include the following:
  • Patient care that is appropriate, effective and compassionate dealing with health problems and health promotion.
  • Medical knowledge in the basic biomedical, behavioural and clinical sciences, medical ethics and medical jurisprudence and application of such knowledge in patient care.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills that ensure effective information exchange with individual patients and their families and teamwork with other health professionals, the scientific community and the public.
  • Appraisal and utilisation of new scientific knowledge to update and continuously improve clinical practice.
  • Capability to be a scholar, contributing to development and research in the field of the chosen specialty.

    Medical professionalism is a core element of being a good Doctor. Good medical practice is based on a relationship of trust between profession and society, in which doctors are expected to meet the highest standards of professional practice and behaviour. It involves partnership between patient and doctor that is based on mutual respect, confidentiality, honesty, responsibility and accountability. In addition to maintaining clinical competence, a doctor should also:
  • Show integrity, compassion and concern for others in day-to-day practice.
  • Develop and maintain a sensitive and understanding attitude with patients.
  • Exercise good judgement and communicate sound clinical advice to patients.
  • Search for the best evidence to guide professional practice.
  • Be committed to continuous improvement and excellence in the provision of health care whether working alone or as part of a team.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification development was in line with the competencies and aims of the International Clinical Fellowship Programme. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by the University of Cape Town. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Critical Care, Level 8 (ID 94793).
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Emergency Care, Level 8 (ID 94596).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Maternal and Child Health, Level 9 (ID 21423).

    The qualification offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Pulmonology, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Medical Science: Critical Care, Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Medical Oncology, Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Oncology, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Cape Town 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.