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Summary
Patient acceptance of physician assistants in Los Angeles was assessed. Acceptance was highest among middle-class individuals, with varying tolerance for complex procedures like initial examinations for serious head injuries.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Sociology
- Physician Assistant Studies
Background:
- The integration of physician assistants (PAs) into healthcare systems aims to improve access and efficiency.
- Understanding patient perceptions is crucial for the successful adoption and utilization of PAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient acceptance of physician assistants in urban Los Angeles.
- To analyze how socioeconomic factors influence patient attitudes towards PAs.
- To determine patient tolerance for PAs performing procedures of varying complexity.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted in urban Los Angeles.
- An attitude scale was developed for data collection.
- Responses were analyzed to identify differences across socioeconomic stratifications.
Main Results:
- Patient acceptance of PAs was generally high, particularly among non-married, middle-class respondents with some college education.
- A significant majority (91%) accepted PAs performing injections.
- Tolerance decreased substantially (34%) for PAs conducting initial examinations, especially in cases of serious head injury.
Conclusions:
- Patient acceptance of physician assistants is influenced by socioeconomic status and educational background.
- Public trust in PAs is high for routine procedures but may decrease with increasing perceived complexity and risk.
- Further research is needed to address patient concerns regarding PAs performing complex diagnostic or emergency procedures.