GPs have been invited to share their experiences of working with physician associates (PAs) as part of a Government-commissioned review of the role.
Professor Gillian Leng’s review, which is expected to report this spring, has now opened up a survey for all healthcare professionals to gather views on PAs’ day-to-day practice, patient safety issues, and the need for a defined scope of practice.
This is part of a ‘multi-method approach to evidence gathering’, with GPs having been asked previously to submit their own practice-level analysis and data on the safety and efficacy of PAs.
The new survey, which closes on 30 March, is open to all healthcare professionals – but the Government said it particularly wants to hear from both PAs themselves and doctors who work with them.
GPs can answer questions on what PAs do on a day-to-day basis in their practice and if they think this is ‘appropriate’, including whether they diagnose illnesses and develop management plans.
The Government has also asked whether PAs prescribe medications and order ionising radiation, both of which are illegal under current regulations.
Other questions cover:
- Whether patients are told they are seeing a PA:
- How clearly defined the PA role is and whether a defined scope of practice would be helpful;
- The level of confidence professionals have in the supervision of PAs;
- Whether PAs have been involved in patient safety incidents;
- What impact GMC regulation of PAs has on safety and public perceptions.
After the survey closes, the Leng review will analyse all responses but will focus primarily on responses from PAs and those with experience working alongside them.
The review has also gathered evidence by reviewing published research on PAs and by carrying out focus groups with patients.
Health secretary Wes Streeting launched the review of PAs and anaesthesia associates (AAs) in November in order to ‘establish the facts’ amid what he called a ‘toxic debate’.
Professor Leng’s review will inform the ‘refreshed workforce plan’ that the Government has committed to publish in the summer, as well as the 10-year health plan.
The BMA has also urged GPs to share their experiences of working with PAs in a survey to help shape the union’s response to the Leng review.
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I would urge practices, especially their PAs to answer this survey. It is so important that PAs tell Prof Leng how they are feeling at present under this scrutiny and if they feel upset, frightened or anxious as a result. It is also important that GPs who work with PAs give their opinion as they have real life experience.
PAs having clinics full of all types of complexity and undifferentiated illness is wrong on many levels. A 10 to 20 min debrief at the end of every session with an overworked/stressed GP does not make it safe or right. If we apply the same principle then amateur boxers should be allowed to enter a professional match after two years of training. Can you say brain damage?!
Dr Yes Man
Yes your are right PAs having undifferentiated clinics with inadequate supervision is wrong. I remember my GP training days after 3 years being a doctor, almost every consultation was assessed initially. PAs need initial close supportive supervision in their first two years minimum. Have you worked with any PAs and have personal experience?