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Observational Study
. 2015 May;65(634):e344-50.
doi: 10.3399/bjgp15X684877.

Physician associates and GPs in primary care: a comparison

Vari M Drennan  1 , Mary Halter  1 , Louise Joly  2 , Heather Gage  3 , Robert L Grant  1 , Jonathan Gabe  4 , Sally Brearley  1 , Wilfred Carneiro  5 , Simon de Lusignan  3
Affiliations
Observational Study

Physician associates and GPs in primary care: a comparison

Vari M Drennan et al. Br J Gen Pract. 2015 May.

Abstract

Background: Physician associates [PAs] (also known as physician assistants) are new to the NHS and there is little evidence concerning their contribution in general practice.

Aim: This study aimed to compare outcomes and costs of same-day requested consultations by PAs with those of GPs.

Design and setting: An observational study of 2086 patient records presenting at same-day appointments in 12 general practices in England.

Method: PA 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.

Results: There 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).

Conclusion: The 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.

Keywords: general practitioners; observational study; physician assistants; physicians, family; primary health care.

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