What is a Physician's Associate?
Physician's Associates undertake a two year intensive post-graduate course in medical science and clinical reasoning and must pass the UK Physician Associate national exam to qualify. they are collaborative healthcare professionals who work alongside and under the direct supervision of the GPs. Although they are dependent practitioners, they are able to practice independently and make independent decisions.
What do Physician's Associates do?
- Take medical histories from patients
- Carry out physical examinations
- Sees patients with undifferentiated diagnosis/long-term chronic conditions
- Formulate differential diagnoses and management plans
- Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
- Develop and deliver appropriate treatment and management plans
- Request and interpret diagnostic studies
- Provide health promotion and disease prevention advice for patients
How do they help GPs/the system?
Physician's Associates increase the number of medical workforce and increase access to quality care for patients. They act in an enabling role, helping to reduce the healthcare team's workload. The bring new talent to the NHS, add to the skillmix and provide general medical care as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team.