How do PAs fit into the NHS health care team?
Physician assistants currently can be found working in GP surgeries, Accident and Emergency departments, and inpatient hospital wards. PAs are also working in trauma and orthopaedics in Scotland. In a GP surgery, PAs see patients of all ages for acute and chronic medical care. PAs can refer patients to consultants, the EAU or to A & E when clinically appropriate. Other duties include home visits, prescription reauthorisation, review of incoming post and laboratory results. Physician assistants are an additional health care team member to help the practice reach Quality Outcome Framework targets. In Accident & Emergency departments, PAs are able see whatever comes in the door. They see patients in minors and majors as well as resuscitation and post resuscitation. They are also able to see medical, trauma, mental health, children, obstetrics and gynaecology cases. PAs obtain the history, conduct the physical exam, request blood tests and / or imaging. They are able to make referrals both
