Physician assistants can lighten doctors’ workload but are a challenge to professional boundaries
BMJ 2016; 354 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i4664 (Published 31 August 2016) Cite this as: BMJ 2016;354:i4664
- Matthew Limb, freelance journalist
- BMJ Careers
- limb{at}btinternet.com
The Royal College of Surgeons of England looked at perceptions of training and the potential offered by new team models.1 2 It surveyed nearly 1000 doctors in training and 22 specialty association leaders, interviewed NHS staff at eight “case study” sites in England and Wales, and analysed workplace diaries.
Complement not substitute
The report found that doctors in training can be anxious about the idea of non-medical practitioners, like physician associates, playing a bigger role in surgical teams. “To a degree it’s the fear of the unknown,” says Ian Eardley, vice president of the college. “Because these staff are relatively new, some juniors worry they might be a threat, they might take away training opportunities. For a surgical …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £184 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£50 / $60/ €56 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.