A government review has concluded that NHS physician associates (PAs) should be prohibited from diagnosing patients who have not already been seen by a doctor. The health secretary ordered this review following several high-profile patient deaths related to misdiagnoses by PAs. Although the review found no substantial reasons to eliminate the roles of PAs or anaesthesia associates (AAs), it called for a significant overhaul of their responsibilities. The review stresses the importance of establishing clear clinical protocols and the need to rename roles to enhance patient clarity regarding the level of care they are receiving.
Wes Streeting ordered a review of over 3,500 PAs and 100 AAs after six high-profile patient deaths due to misdiagnosis by PAs.
Prof Gillian Leng stated that while PAs and AAs should not be abolished, their roles should not remain unchanged either.
Leng emphasized that the rationale for substituting PAs for doctors is unclear, highlighting a lack of planning that may expose patients to unnecessary risks.
Recommended that PAs should not see undifferentiated or untriaged patients and that clinical protocols be established for treating mild ailments.
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