DAUK welcomes reports that physician associates (PAs) could be renamed to stop patients mistaking them for doctors.
The Guardian is today reporting that the Leng Review into PAs has ‘found that their title caused widespread confusion’ among patients.
The newspaper reports that their name could be changed to ‘physician assistants’ or ‘doctors’ assistants’.
Ms Helen Fernandes, DAUK chair, said: “We welcome reports today the title of PAs is to change to make clear they are doctors’ assistants and not fully-trained medical professionals.
“We hope the government follows the recommendation, if it is made.
Physician associates
“However, that in itself does not address the fundamental issues of scope and supervision.
“Patients interacting with doctors’ assistants, and doctors working alongside them need urgent clarification.”
DAUK has raised significant concerns about the regulation and expansion of PA and anaesthesia associate (AA) roles in the NHS.
We’ve long called for a pause in their roll out over concerns about patient safety, scope of practice, and their supervision.
Scope and supervision
Dr Ellen Welch, DAUK’s vice chair and a GP, said: “This is a start but we still need to define scope of practice.
“We also need to address the doctors’ concerns around supervision and who is responsible for these assistants and their work.
“Anaesthetists United returns to the High Court next week with an important court case which aims to do that.
“DAUK has given our support with a £30,000 contribution but they still need help funding their crucial challenge.”
For more information on how to support this crucial legal challenge, please visit the Anaesthetists United donations page.
