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Table 2 Definition of degrees of task delegation and the distribution of the GP and staff population on these degrees

From: Associations between degrees of task delegation and job satisfaction of general practitioners and their staff: a cross-sectional study

Degree of task delegation

Definition of the degree of task delegation

Content of delegated tasks

GPs N (%)

Staff N (%)

Minimal degree:

No responsibility for assessment in treatment or for decision making regarding further treatment.

Staff manages laboratory tasks and clinical procedures such as drawing blood samples and measuring blood pressure.

832 (66.83)

355 (56.26)

Medium degree:

Delegated responsibility for assessment in treatment, but no responsibility for decision making regarding further treatment.

Staff performs more complex tasks such as assessment of functional level, e.g. using an MRC scale, or manages independent consultations, e.g. counselling with regard to smoking cessation or diet and exercise.

294 (23.61)

164 (25.99)

Maximal degree:

Delegated responsibility for assessment in treatment and/or decision making regarding further treatment.

Staff performs highly complex tasks such as assessment of needs for initiating or adjusting COPD medication or assessment of indication for use of antibiotics.

119 (9.56)

112 (17.75)

Total

1245 (100)

631 (100)