Physician associates in the UK: Development, status, and future
Kate Straughton1, Karen A Roberts, Jeannie Watkins
1Kate Straughton is president of the Faculty of Physician Associates in the Royal College of Physicians and a senior lecturer at the University of Birmingham in the UK. Karen A. Roberts is a reader in PA education and director of the PA program at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in Falmer, UK. Jeannie Watkins is a reader in PA education and course director of the PA program at St. George's, University of London. In the Centre for Health and Social Care Research at Kingston University and St. George's University of London in the UK, Vari M. Drennan is a professor of healthcare and policy research and Mary Halter is an associate professor. Ms. Watkins discloses that she is a director of and holds a 10% share in PATH, a recruitment company for PAs, but receives no money from the organization. The authors have disclosed no other potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Physician associates (PAs) in the UK are a growing health profession. Future developments include statutory regulation, title protection, and a national career framework.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare professions
- Medical workforce development
- UK health policy
Background:
- Physician associates (PAs) have been integral to the UK health workforce for nearly two decades.
- The PA profession in the UK is experiencing significant growth.
- The profession is on the cusp of major advancements, including statutory regulation and title protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of the physician associate profession in the United Kingdom.
- To outline the future prospects and developmental trajectory of physician associates in the UK.
- To contextualize the upcoming regulatory and professional advancements for PAs.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of the physician associate role in the UK.
- Analysis of current trends in PA workforce expansion.
- Examination of proposed regulatory and policy changes impacting PAs.
Main Results:
- The physician associate profession has a nearly 20-year history in the UK.
- Rapid growth is evident in the PA workforce.
- Key developments such as statutory regulation and a national career framework are anticipated.
Conclusions:
- The physician associate profession in the UK is poised for significant evolution.
- Upcoming regulatory changes will formalize and protect the PA title.
- Enhanced career progression frameworks will support the growing PA workforce.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
01:17Healthcare Agencies II
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources,...
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...