The answer to the medical workforce crisis??? Physician Associates The answer to the medical workforce crisis??? Helen Karagic h.karagic@shu.ac.uk

So what are they? Work under the direct supervision of a doctor. Physician associates support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. They are trained to perform a number of roles including: taking medical histories performing examinations diagnosing illnesses analysing test results developing management plans. Work under the direct supervision of a doctor.

What else? Not a regulated profession with a register PAs are not able to prescribe or order xrays Not able to work independently, always under supervision of a doctor

Why at Sheffield Hallam? Political imperative from DoH Patient safety and an effective service HEYH support Shortage of GPs, Practice Nurses, Emergency Dept doctors No courses in the north

A Profession??? Since July 2015 Faculty of Physician Associates, Royal College of Physicians (Voluntary Register) http://www.fparcp.co.uk/ Professional documents The Competence and Curriculum Framework Matrix of Core Clinical Conditions Day in the Life of a Physician Associate Video http://wm.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/physician-associate/

Entry Criteria for the Course Science Honours Degree 2:1 5 GCSEs inc. English & Maths Care experience Selection event includes assessment of NHS Core Values

Course Structure 2 years (45 weeks/year) 1600 hours minimum clinical time with specified hours in clinical areas GP placements at start and end of course Secondary placements in blocks throughout National Exam - must pass to join FPA register

Modules Year 1 Cardiovascular Medicine Musculoskeletal Management Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Renal Medicine Consultation Skills and Assessment Year 2 Eyes Ears and dermatology Genitourinary Reproductive and Sexual Health Mental Health and Neurology Managing medical Care

Placements The minimum core placements : Community Medicine 180 hours General Hospital Medicine 350 hours Front Door Medicine 180 hours Mental Health 90 hours General Surgery 90 hours Obstetrics & Gynaecology 90 hours Paediatrics (acute setting) 90 hours

Employment Yet to be discovered in the north..... GP Practice Emergency Depts. Mental Health Anywhere in hospitals!