Navigating unique challenges: librarian perceptions in supporting physician associate (assistant) programs.

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Medical Education Support
• Information Science in Healthcare

Background:

• Academic librarians play a vital role in supporting specialized health professions programs.
• Physician Assistant (PA) education presents unique information and resource needs for supporting faculty and students.
• Understanding librarian experiences is key to optimizing support services in emerging health fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the experiences of librarians supporting Physician Assistant (PA) programs.
• To identify unique challenges faced by librarians in PA education.
• To outline effective strategies for librarian engagement with PA programs.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews.
• Survey distributed to librarians supporting PA programs in US and Canadian institutions.
• Thematic analysis of interview data from fifteen selected librarians.

Main Results:

• Seventy-five survey responses indicated most librarians supported nursing and physical therapy programs alongside PA programs.
• Library instruction focused on search skills and evidence-based practice, primarily during the didactic phase.
• Key themes included the paramount importance of relationship building and the impact of the learning curve on librarian workload.

Conclusions:

• Librarians supporting PA programs encounter significant challenges in relationship building, resource allocation, and managing workload.
• Steep learning curves associated with PA curricula necessitate specialized knowledge and skills for librarians.
• There is a clear need for targeted professional development to enhance librarian efficacy in supporting PA education.