| Tasks that have normally been undertaken by physicians and dentists are analyzed to determine which ones may be effectively delegated to auxiliaries. Job descriptions of established paramedical cadres (medical laboratory technician, radiology technician, are examined to see how they compare with these conditions, and results of innovations in task delegation, such as the insertion of intrauterine devices by paramedical or auxiliary workers, are examined. Surgical and obstetrical interventions performed by paramedical or auxiliary workers according to country are set forth in a table, and discussions of rural medical aid in Tanzania, barefoot doctors in China, feldshers in the USSR, physician assistants in the USA, dental hygienists, optical technicians, auxiliary personnel in preventive medicine, etc. follow. Finally, the implications of introducing new paramedical workers are discussed. |