Physician associates and GPs in primary care: a comparison.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Drennan, Vari M Halter, Mary Joly, Louise Gage, Heather Grant, Robert L Gabe, Jonathan Brearley, Sally Carneiro, Wilfred de Lusignan, Simon
Copyright Year	2015
Abstract	BackgroundPhysician associates [PAs] (also known as physician assistants) are new to the NHS and there is little evidence concerning their contribution in general practice.AimThis study aimed to compare outcomes and costs of same-day requested consultations by PAs with those of GPs.Design and settingAn observational study of 2086 patient records presenting at same-day appointments in 12 general practices in England.MethodPA consultations were compared with those of GPs. Primary outcome was re-consultation within 14 days for the same or linked problem. Secondary outcomes were processes of care.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the rates of re-consultation (rate ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.86 to 1.79, P = 0.25). There were no differences in rates of diagnostic tests ordered (1.08, 95% CI = 0.89 to 1.30, P = 0.44), referrals (0.95, 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.43, P = 0.80), prescriptions issued (1.16, 95% CI = 0.87 to 1.53, P = 0.31), or patient satisfaction (1.00, 95% CI = 0.42 to 2.36, P = 0.99). Records of initial consultations of 79.2% (n = 145) of PAs and 48.3% (n = 99) of GPs were judged appropriate by independent GPs (P<0.001). The adjusted average PA consultation was 5.8 minutes longer than the GP consultation (95% CI = 2.46 to 7.1; P<0.001); cost per consultation was GBP £6.22, (US$ 10.15) lower (95% CI = −7.61 to −2.46, P<0.001).ConclusionThe processes and outcomes of PA and GP consultations for same-day appointment patients are similar at a lower consultation cost. PAs offer a potentially acceptable and efficient addition to the general practice workforce.
Related Links	https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC4408498&blobtype=pdf
ISSN	09601643
Journal	The British Journal of General Practice [Br J Gen Pract]
Volume Number	65
PubMed Central reference number	PMC4408498
Issue Number	634
PubMed reference number	25918339
e-ISSN	14785242
DOI	10.3399/bjgp15x684877
Language	English
Publisher	Royal College of General Practitioners
Publisher Date	2015-05-01
Access Restriction	Open
Rights License	This is an OpenAccess article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © British Journal of General Practice 2015
Subject Keyword	general practitioners observational study physician assistants physicians, family primary health care
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Family Practice