The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has released new interim guidance outlining the role and responsibilities of Physician Associates (PAs) working in medical specialties. The key points are as follows:
Supportive Role:
- PAs are designed to support, not replace, doctors in the medical team.
- They function as part of the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
Scope of Practice:
- PAs must work within defined boundaries and never operate beyond their training.
- They are restricted from being the primary decision-makers in certain critical situations, such as:
- Admitting or discharging patients from hospitals.
Patient Safety:
- This guidance ensures that while PAs contribute to patient care, ultimate responsibility lies with qualified doctors.
- PAs should complement, not substitute, the expertise of physicians.
Multidisciplinary Team Integration:
- The guidance highlights the importance of collaboration while maintaining clarity on roles and responsibilities.
For more details, read the full RCP article:
🔗 RCP Interim Guidance for Physician Associates
Use this Link to download the three guidance documents about PAs
