Can physician assistants be effective in the UK?

Can physician assistants be effective in the UK?

The National Health Sevice (NHS) faces a serious shortage of medical staff. One solution is to introduce US-style physician assistants (PAs) who train for around two years following previous clinical work or a first degree, and perform duties similar to junior doctors. This paper reviews the history and role of PAs, the quality of their work and their likely impact in the UK. A variety of sourc...

Physician assistants in the Netherlands.

The birth of physician assistants in Canada.

By now, most Canadian physicians will have some familiarity with physician assistants (PAs). Physician assistants are physician extenders who are trained under a medical model. They are not independent practitioners, but instead complement physicians by practising within the supervising physicians’ scope of practice. This occupation is being actively piloted in Ontario, and Manitoba has regulat...

Physician and Physician Assistants’ Use of the Electronic Medical Record

It is critically important that physicians and physician assistants maintain accurate, timely, and consistent medical records to ensure delivery of high-quality, safe, and integrated medical care. The electronic medical record (EMR) offers a number of potential benefits over the paper medical record. However, as with any innovation, there are challenges and potential hazards in its meaningful u...

Physician assistants and bioterrorism preparedness.

Despite the resources dedicated since 2001 to training health providers in emergency and bioterrorism preparedness and response, the literature on the participation of physician assistants (PAs) is very limited. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the training level and experiences of PAs in the diagnosis and treatment of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive age...