The article discusses a report by Professor Helen Leng that highlights significant issues with the integration of Physician Assistants (PAs) and anaesthesia Associates (AAs) within the NHS. The report found disparities in how PAs perceive their roles compared to doctors, with PAs feeling they are qualified to diagnose illnesses, a view not always shared by doctors.
Key recommendations from the report include:
training and Experience: Newly qualified PAs should spend two years in hospitals for better training and supervision before moving to GP surgeries or mental health trusts.
Leadership Training: Doctors need more leadership training, as many feel unprepared for supervising PAs.
Career Development: Improved career development pathways for PAs and AAs are recommended.
Supervision: Each PA should have a named doctor supervising them.
* Standardization: Uniforms, lanyards, badges, and staff details should be standardized to clearly differentiate PAs from doctors.
The British Medical Association (BMA) chair, Dr. Tom Dolphin, criticized NHS leadership for the “catastrophic failures” that have put patients at risk, arguing the recommendations don’t go far enough on national patient safety standards. He stated the report exposes how NHS England expanded thes roles without sufficient safety evidence, leading to inadequate leadership, lack of accountability, and a failure to address doctors’ concerns. He also pointed to the General Medical Council (GMC) for its role in the “blurring of lines” between doctors and non-doctors.
The president of the hospital doctors’ union, the HSCA, Dr. Naru Narayanan,emphasized the need for a clearly defined national scope for these roles,calling for standardized job descriptions and clinical protocols to be fast-tracked.He also noted the pay disparity, where PAs can earn more with less training than resident doctors, contributing to tension. He stressed the importance of additional support and time for senior doctors to facilitate supervision.
