Introducing physician associates

Abstract

Physician associate (PA) is a new profession that has the potential to change healthcare delivery in the UK. However, it is poorly understood by both the medical profession and the public. Evolving health needs, patient expectations, treatment and delivery of healthcare have led to proposed new care models that require a different skill mix to underpin health delivery. We explore the role of PAs, who as part of a multi-disciplinary team while being supervised by doctors, can help support a sustainable future for primary care.