Helen Salisbury: Physician associates in general practice

Last 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. This diagnosis was not made then, nor after her condition worsened and she returned a week later. She died a few hours after this second visit.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. They cannot prescribe drugs.This case highlights potential problems,…
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