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Career trends and attrition among PAs.
Physician Assistant (American Academy of Physician Assistants)
|May 10, 1984
Summary
Physician assistant (PA) attrition rates were 13% in two studies. Younger PAs and those with higher high school academic achievement showed greater attrition, while men and military veterans had lower attrition, impacting future PA workforce predictions.
Area of Science:
- Health Workforce Research
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Medical Education
Background:
- Understanding physician assistant (PA) career trajectories is crucial for healthcare workforce planning.
- Previous studies have indicated potential factors influencing PA retention and career paths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze attrition rates within a cohort of physician assistants (PAs) from 1974-1978.
- To identify demographic and educational factors associated with PA attrition.
- To examine trends in PA employment settings and locations.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 724 physician assistants (PAs) was conducted between 1974 and 1978.
- Survey data from a national sample of 4,500 PAs were analyzed separately.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine factors influencing cohort attrition.
Main Results:
- Overall attrition rate was 13% in both the cohort and national sample.
- Higher attrition was observed among younger PAs and those with higher high school academic performance.
- Lower attrition was noted for male PAs, former military medical corpsmen, and graduates of military PA programs.
- A trend towards employment in institutional and urban settings was identified.
Conclusions:
- Attrition factors in the physician assistant (PA) workforce include age and academic background.
- Military background appears to be a protective factor against PA attrition.
- Findings have implications for future physician assistant (PA) manpower predictions and retention strategies.