“Doctoral assistants are a hidden resource that has not yet been used qualitatively to solve the staffing problem of Bulgarian healthcare. They are multifunctional specialists who can provide both health care and independently perform routine medical activities, as well as those under the supervision of a doctor. In this sense, medical assistants can be involved in all areas of healthcare.’ This was stated by the Chairman of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Union of Medical Assistants and Paramedics (UBLAF) Alexander Alexandrov at the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the professional association and the St. Ekaterina University Hospital. The signing of the memorandum was signed by the President of BULAF and the Executive Director of St. Ekaterina University Hospital, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Petkov, MD. By signing the memorandum, the two parties declared their willingness to build a sustainable framework of partnership and cooperation aimed at the implementation of good medical practices, the development of human resources in healthcare, the promotion of postgraduate and continuing education, and the implementation of joint initiatives for the benefit of patients and society.
“With the Memorandum, we show that when stakeholders work in one direction, in the mutual interest and in the interest of patients, things work out,” Mr Alexandrov further said. We are categorical that united together and respecting the place, importance, responsibility of each medical professional and in a team, we could do so to quickly solve the problem of personnel deficit. The only winner is the Bulgarian patient," he said.
"The ambition of our professional organization is to train more medical assistants in Bulgarian universities and to have staff resources to support Bulgarian healthcare", added Mr. Alexandrov.
"One of the main problems facing the health system in the country is the severe shortage of medical staff. With this memorandum, we declare our clear will to work to fill this deficit through joint initiatives, training and motivation of new staff and to improve patient care,” stressed Prof. Dimitar Petkov. "Health is a team effort and today we show that bringing together the different medical professions is the key to success. I believe that this memorandum is only the first step. We have a lot of work to do, but I am convinced that together we will achieve results that will be felt by both the medical community and society", added the director of the St. Catherine University Hospital.
Ms. Galina Zaharieva, Deputy Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Medical Association, pointed out that paramedics and medical assistants are well known in the country, but mainly in outpatient and emergency care. ‘There is no tradition in our country of practising the profession in hospital care, but there is interest from both medical institutions and medical assistants. Our ambition is to achieve what our colleagues in other countries have achieved," she said. Analysis of BSLAF shows that worldwide medical assistants with appropriate postgraduate training are very well positioned in almost all structures of medical institutions. “Our profession is multifunctional and can be implemented anywhere. In this sense, we also strive to integrate medical assistants in medical institutions in Bulgaria,” explained Ms Zaharieva.
The Deputy Director of St. Ekaterina University Hospital, Mr. Georgi Naydenov, stressed that the hospital is a pioneer in the field of cardiology, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery, and with the new partnership it continues to build on its development. “We show colleagues how to work between health institutions and professional organisations. The lack of medical staff is a serious challenge, and with this fruitful cooperation, I hope we can overcome it. In addition to giving way to young professionals, it will also have a positive economic effect – in the last year alone, the hospital has increased its activity by more than 30%. We are convinced that this partnership will be of great benefit to both sides," said Mr Naydenov.
Mr Dimitar Dimitrov, Head of Unit, University Hospital ‘St. Ekaterina’ presented good practices around the world, including in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany, where the assistance of the medical assistant is relied upon. ‘Of course, the doctor’s assistant’s actions are under medical supervision. The report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that from 2016 to 2026, doctors' assistants will grow by 37 percent.% and it is the fastest growing profession in the United States," said Mr Dimitrov. According to the analysis of St. Ekaterina” the work of the medical team can be eased by including a medical assistant to assist, cooperate and relieve the doctor to some extent,” stressed Mr Dimitrov. He explained that the university hospital could also, through specialisations, train staff to apply what they have learned on the ground in emergency medical centres and affiliates outside major cities in the country, where mainly medical assistants (feldchers) work. According to him, a medical institution with a new approach to training can give more skills, abilities and knowledge to cope with the new challenges facing them. Dimitrov noted the possibility for medical assistants to also be involved in the activities of the Aerial Emergency Medical Service at the St. Petersburg Helicopter Site. Catherine’.
As a new start to the development of a profession for all young medical assistants who want to develop and follow an extremely professional path, the signing of the memorandum was decided by the head of the Emergency Medical Aid Branch - Panagyurishte and Secretary General of BULAF Hristo Ivanov. According to him, the document creates new opportunities for his colleagues who want to develop in the field of emergency care, primary care and in all structures where medical assistants are currently implemented. “As a frame of the emergency medical centres, I can say that through the cooperation with “St. Ekaterina" we could build on our knowledge and skills and be even more useful to our patients and to the medical institution". He added that medical assistants are increasingly seeking additional qualifications.
After the signing of the memorandum, there will be further talks between representatives of the two countries on the development of policies and strategies on how the capacity of the medical assistant (feldshera) in the medical institution can be used.
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