TDNet Discover

Background: A letter written to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) claimed that a physician assistant’s (PA’s) care is not comparable to the care from a physician and is not desirable from a patient’s perspective. Purpose: To create a study that allows the general population to decide if they feel PAs can accurately and effectively address patient needs and provide quality care. Study design: Cross-sectional survey Methods: A total of 454 individuals, including providers that have worked with a PA, patients or caregivers who have received care from a PA, accessed an anonymous questionnaire regarding their perspective of the care of a PA. The survey was disseminated using a snowball approach. Results: Out of 454 individuals, 418 completed the entire survey. Eighteen samples were completed in Spanish, and 400 were completed in English. Two hundred and sixty-two participants were seen by a PA, while the remaining 156 previously, or currently, work with a PA. Within the results, the PA and the physician were found to communicate with other staff and initiate non-surgical therapy equally well. It was also noted that PAs can provide an appointment in a quicker time frame and will listen to concerns more appropriately. Sixty-two percent of participants thought that PAs always provide adequate care. Conclusion: Understanding patient perspectives on PAs will allow staff to have confidence in and respect for the PA profession. The survey results suggest most of the general population believe PAs always provide adequate care. Physicians may consider this data when practicing alongside PAs or when hiring a midlevel provider. Our findings are important for the PA workforce as they continue to integrate and grow in all areas of patient care.