The Role
Physician Associates are Science graduates with additional MSc or PG Dip in Physician Associate studies. They are newly trained health professionals, not experienced healthcare professionals with additional training or up-skilling (eg ANPs, ACPs, Paramedic Practitioners etc). PAs are trained across the breadth of medicine in a similar model to that of medical students. PAs do not learn medicine to the same depth as a medical student. They are trained to take histories, examine patients, diagnose and treat a range of conditions under supervision. Their clinical competence and supervision needs change with experience. PAs can specialise in an area of interest in line with practice or PCN needs. PAs work under the GMC clause of delegation so MUST be clinically supervised by a GP. PAs are not trainees. They do not rotate but stay in post.
Benefits for the Practice
With appropriate supervision/support the PAs can see a relatively undifferentiated list of patients, support their clinical colleagues in delivering services; they are an additional member of the medical team to see patients and reduce waiting times and can take on special interests or areas of work supporting PCNs and surgeries.
Benefits for the Patient
- Facilitates being seen by adding to medical workforce
- Can see broad range of presentations
Training & Development
PAs work under the GMC clause of delegation – their work is delegated by a GP, in the knowledge their skills, training and clinical competence enable them to cope with the demands of work being delegated. The PA supervisor should work with the PA frequently to understand their competence and enable development and progression. Multiple supervisors dilute this model and can lead to PAs feeling undervalued and hinders development. A new PA will need 30-minute appointments initially. An experienced GP PA will work to 15 min appts and most likely will only need assistance with more complex cases or to discuss specific questions.
PAs do not have a structured career progression. Clinically, progression is secondary to exposure, training and supervision; there are very few limits if the correct support is provided and PAs can develop in line with the needs of the service. Some PAs in GP are practice partners, PCN Clinical Directors, surgery or PCN specialty leads e.g. in respiratory, frailty, dermatology. Some PAs may be a PCN Lead, line managing other PAs, assisting with elements of supervision and mentorship.
