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PAs in the ED: do physicians think they increase the malpractice risk?
Alisa Gifford1, Mark Hyde, James D Stoehr
1Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA.
Summary
Emergency physicians
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Workforce Studies
Background:
- Physician assistants (PAs) are increasingly integrated into emergency departments (EDs).
- Understanding emergency physicians' perceptions of malpractice risk associated with PAs is crucial for effective workforce utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate emergency physicians' perceptions of malpractice risk associated with physician assistants (PAs) in emergency departments (EDs).
- To compare these perceptions between 2004 and 2009.
Main Methods:
- A 16-question survey was administered to a random sample of 1,000 American College of Emergency Physicians members in 2004 and 2009.
- Data analysis focused on comparing perceptions and identifying correlations with physician experience.
Main Results:
- In both 2004 and 2009, 70% of physicians did not perceive PAs as higher malpractice risks when supervised.
- 80% believed PAs were not more likely to be sued.
- Increased physician experience with PAs correlated with decreased perceived malpractice risk.
Conclusions:
- Physician experience with PAs reduces perceived malpractice risk.
- Findings support increased PA utilization in EDs, especially for non-critical care, potentially improving efficiency and patient satisfaction.
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