The PA+PER’s Post

I've observed a concerning trend in the NHS that needs addressing—increasing negativity towards various healthcare professional (HCP) specialties, especially Physician Associates. This growing atmosphere of disrespect and toxicity is disheartening and detracts from our collective mission to provide excellent care. The role every HCP plays in the NHS is crucial, from doctors and nurses to pharmacists and support staff. Each specialty brings unique skills and perspectives that are vital for the holistic care of our patients. It is imperative that we respect and value these diverse contributions, as a toxic atmosphere undermines team cohesion and the overall quality of patient care. Why the negativity? The NHS, like any large system, has imperfections, and while some newer roles may need further integration and development, it is unjust and unproductive to disparage the individuals filling these positions. They have undergone training and put in hard work to gain their qualifications and they deserve our support. I recently had a conversation with a friend who is a GP, who made some disparaging remarks about ACPs. I shared my perspective openly—generalizing negative experiences not only harms relationships but also affects patient outcomes. We can't let a few negative experiences tarnish our view of an entire group of professionals. As members of the NHS, we must lead by example, fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and mutual support. The NHS's strength lies in its people, and by elevating each other, we elevate the care we provide. Let’s commit to positivity and teamwork, ensuring the NHS remains a beacon of hope and health. #NHS #HealthcareProfessionals #Pharmacists #Physicianassociates

4 in 10 Britons Support More Physician Associates in the NHS - But What Are They? With the government announcing a review of Physician Associates' roles in the NHS today, our poll earlier this year revealed a crucial knowledge gap. While 40% of Britons supported increasing PA numbers to ease GP workload, a significant majority (6 in 10) were unsure what PAs actually do. This highlights a critical need for public education about these valuable healthcare professionals. It's clear that many people are open to new solutions for improving access to healthcare, but more information is needed to build trust and understanding around the role of PAs. #NHS #PhysicianAssociates #Healthcare #PublicOpinion #Ipsos https://lnkd.in/eZK_-TAJ

This applies to physicians, PA's, NP's, all licensed practitioners....Scope of Practice, working within your limitations, not beyond - is good medicine. Being truthful & transparent about your training, in a language patients can understand is lawful. Pretending your training as an apprentice enables you to be independent in a specialty you didn't complete a residency or fellowship in is lying. Putting letters after your name to pretend you are equal if not better than a physician who went through 4 years of medical school, 3-7 years of postgraduate training and fellowship - is intended to mislead public. Let's be clear I have had the privilege of working with wonderful PA's and NP's, CNMs - in our health team. We all knew our limitations and when to ask for help. Physicians should replace physicians - response to physician shortage should be to include a pathway to US for IMG's - who are already licensed and practicing - like we did in 80's and 90's in response to nursing shortage - have them work/sponsored by - with licensed physician or hospital limited license - as road to citizenship eventually should they want this. Plenty of well qualified trained physicians in the world. Make medical school free; pay physicians appropriately; litigate malpractice in federal tort system - stop the LCME, ABMS monopoly. Work with the AAPA, NPs - on delineation of privileges that are skills, training and competency based - post on public website everybody's training - number of procedures, academic training, etc. Time to put medical care and decision making back in the hands of those that do the caring - the whole team.

Last month, the Ontario Medical Association released the Stop the Crisis report to highlight the family doctor crisis in health care. The report states, “in less than 24 months, one out of every four people in Ontario will be without a family doctor.” What should be done? Here are OMA’s solutions, summarized: 1. Physician-led team-based-care Doctor, nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals should work in physician-led teams to allow patients to be seen sooner and to be able to access the expertise of different health professionals. What the government must do: 📌 Incentivize teams to practise together, by allowing sharing of patient information and funding to do so. 2. Let doctors be doctors Did you know that administrative tasks take ~40% of a family physician’s work week? What the government must do: 📌 Reduce the number of steps for patients to access care in order to streamline these administrative tasks. 📌 Less forms, less bureaucracy in health care! 3. Funding that makes sense While patient complexity has increased, funding for patient care has not. What the government must do: 📌 Recognize these changes and provide consistent funding to ensure quality care delivery. 📌 Stop “negation”: the practice where family doctors must pay when a patient receives care from another unreferred team (e.g. walk-in clinics) #StopTheCrisis #familydoctor #familymedicine

A pressing issue that requires urgent attention: Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) were introduced to alleviate the pressures on overstretched healthcare teams, and have done so successfully for over a decade. However, the toxic environment professionals working in these roles face is deeply troubling. Professional collaboration, respect, and shared accountability are the foundations of effective patient care. When this is undermined by hostility and misinformation everyone suffers but most importantly patients. It is disappointing to see examples where the contributions of PAs and AAs are being dismissed or mischaracterised. Isolated cases of errors - while tragic - must be understood within the broader context of systemic challenges faced by the NHS. UMAPs and CMAPs are committed to ensuring that the integration of PAs and AAs remains centred on patient safety, professional excellence, and mutual respect. We support the Health Secretary’s review and call for transparent, evidence-based findings that address the real challenges facing multidisciplinary teams. Let this be an opportunity to strengthen, not fracture, the NHS workforce. BMJ Open (UK): In acute care hospitals, PAs have been shown to be "acceptable, appropriate, and safe," positively influencing continuity of care and enhancing patient experiences. https://lnkd.in/eka-zeyG The BMJ (UK): PAs in primary care have delivered "safe and cost-effective" care, improving patient access while operating under appropriate supervision. https://lnkd.in/eEzvxwab International Findings: - United States: Decades of research confirm that PAs provide care comparable to physicians, enhancing patient satisfaction and access, especially in underserved areas. - The Netherlands: PAs safely perform a wide range of medical tasks, easing physicians' workloads and contributing to efficient healthcare delivery. While isolated incidents are undeniably tragic, it is essential to rely on evidence-based evaluations to inform discussions. Studies consistently show that PAs and AAs enhance patient care when roles are well-defined and supported by collaborative supervision. Let us build bridges, not barriers, within our healthcare teams. With mutual respect and trust, PAs and AAs can continue to make meaningful contributions to patient care and the wider MDT. #PhysicianAssociate #AnaesthesiaAssociate #MAPs #UMAPs #CMAPs #MedicalAssociateProfessionals #MAPStudent #PAstudent #AAstudent

Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates- an independent review is launched (20 November 2024). "An independent review of Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) has been launched by the Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting today (Wednesday 20 November 2024) to consider how these roles are deployed across the health system, in order to ensure that patients get the highest standards of care". "The review will look into the safety of these roles, how they support wider health teams, and their place in providing patients with good quality and efficient care. It will also look at how effectively these roles are deployed in the NHS, while offering recommendations on how new roles should work in the future". "The review will seek evidence from a range of voices – including patients, employers within the NHS, professional bodies, and academics. Professor Gillian Leng CBE will independently lead the review". A copy of the announcement which makes for interesting reading can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eNGgSPyQ #healthcareleaders #physicianassociates #anaesthesiaassociates #NHS #independentreview #professionalregulation #thebarristergroup

Building on my earlier post about Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs), today’s BBC article highlights the growing tensions around their integration into the NHS workforce. It raises critical questions about patient safety, training opportunities, and the balance between innovation and sustainability. As the NHS grapples with these challenges, it’s more important than ever to reflect on how workforce planning decisions align with patient care and long-term strategy. What are your thoughts on the issues raised here? Is this a symptom of deeper workforce planning challenges? https://lnkd.in/e_GYy8du #HealthcareWorkforce #PatientCare #NHS #PhysicianAssociates #WorkforcePlanning

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, yet disparities persist globally. By expanding medical education and fostering collaboration between the industrial and scientific communities and with support of policy makers and private healthcare providers, access to healthcare could be improved all around the world. There are many countries who demonstrate that clearly defined roles and better regulation can improve healthcare delivery, even in economically constrained regions. While there are concerns about the balance of responsibilities, healthcare professionals and support staff will always play a crucial role in delivering quality care under challenging circumstances. The global healthcare community must work together to ensure that everyone, regardless of location or income, receives timely and accurate care. #HealthcareAccess #ClinicalExcellence #QualityCare

The American College of Physicians (#ACP) leadership met with U.S. lawmakers to discuss their health policy priorities. 1. Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 (H.R. 2389), which would increase the number of Medicare-supported graduate medical education programs by 2,000 positions a year for 7 years. 2. Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act (H.R. 6545), which would raise the threshold for implementing budget-neutral payment cuts from $20 million to $53 million and provide an increased threshold update every 5 years based on the Medicare Economic Index. 3. Safe Step Act (H.R. 2630), which would reform step therapy. #steptherapy #CMS #Medicare #PFS #PhysicianFeeSchedule #policyreform #doctors #MedicareEconomicIndex #MedicarePaymentCuts #USLawmakers #healthpolicy #healthcare #patientsfirst #patients #SafeStepAct #medication #rheumatology https://lnkd.in/eDhNtERH