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 sources were searched to identify suitable studies. The use of PAs in the UK appears to be an acceptable model that could eventually reduce the current skill shortage and provide high quality patient care. Twelve US-sourced PAs currently work in Sandwell, West Midlands. A recent report suggests they have made a substantial contribution to primary care and have improved patient access. For PAs to be successful in the UK, they must be highly regarded practitioners. High quality educational courses must be established to ensure their credibility.
KEY WORDS: education, physician assistant, primary care, secondary care, standardsIt is widely acknowledged that the shortage of qualified medical staff is crippling the NHS. 1-5 There appear to be fewer doctors and nurses per capita in the UK than in other developed countries. 6 The NHS Plan stated that staffing constraints, rather than lack of funding, posed the greatest threat to NHS modernisation. 7 The provision of additional trained staff should improve access to health care, improving waiting lists. 6 One possible solution is to introduce US-style physician assistants (PAs) who undergo two years' intensive training following previous clinical work and a first degree, and perform duties similar to junior doctors. 5 This paper reviews the history and role of PAs, as well as the quality of their work and how their introduction in the UK would be likely to impact on health services. Results from a recent study of American PAs working in Sandwell are reported.
Rachel Catanzaro is the lead physician assistant in Rowley Regis and Tipton PCT. Herein she outlines the training and responsibilities of this pioneering role which has been introduced to the UK healt
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