Helen Salisbury , GP Oxford helen.salisbury{at}phc.ox.ac.ukFollow Helen on Twitter: @HelenRSalisburyLast week, the tragic and avoidable death of a young woman was discussed in parliament.1 The patient had presented to her general practice with, reportedly, obvious symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolus. The patient was under the impression she had been seen by a doctor, but in fact, at both appointments, she had seen a physician associate (PA). This qualification is given after a degree and a two year clinical skills course, and there are a growing number of PAs practising in the UK, in hospitals and in general practice. They have been brought in with the idea that they will support doctors, taking medical histories and examining patients under a doctor’s supervision. Unlike doctors, PAs effectively cost the practice nothing, as their salaries are covered by the additional roles reimbursement scheme, which was intended to lighten the load of GPs and solve the workforce crisis.

Source: The Guardian July 11, 2023 16:20 UTC