Physician assistant influence on surgery residents

Area of Science:

• Graduate Medical Education
• Surgical Residency Programs
• Physician Assistant Studies

Background:

• Surgical residency programs face challenges with resident work hours and well-being.
• The integration of physician assistants (PAs) into surgical teams is a growing area of interest.
• Understanding the impact of PAs on resident education and experience is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of physician assistants on surgery resident work hours.
• To assess the influence of PAs on resident work outlook, including stress and morale.
• To evaluate the role of PAs in graduate surgical education.

Main Methods:

• A survey-based study was conducted in a university-based surgical residency program at a county hospital.
• Surgery residents rotating to the county hospital were surveyed monthly for six months.
• The study assessed resident work hours and work outlook before and after the integration of PAs.

Main Results:

• Surgery resident work hours significantly decreased by the fourth, fifth, and sixth months after PAs joined the surgical services.
• Despite decreased hours, 60% of residents believed PAs did not influence their time in the hospital.
• A majority of residents (60%) felt PAs decreased stress levels and improved morale.

Conclusions:

• Physician assistants can positively influence graduate surgical education.
• The integration of PAs into surgical services can contribute to reduced resident work hours.
• PAs have the potential to enhance the work outlook of surgery residents, improving morale and reducing stress.