Patient care, integration and collaboration of physician associates in multiprofessional teams: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to explore the physician associate role in patient care, integration and collaboration with team members, within the hospital setting. Design: Convergent mixed methods case study design. Methods: Questionnaires with some open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews were analysed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Participants included 12 physician associates, 31 health professionals and 14 patients/relatives. Physician associates provide effective, safe and, importantly, continuity of care and patients received patient-centred care. Integration into teams was variable, and there was a lack of knowledge about the physician associate role amongst staff and patients. Views towards physician associates were mostly positive, but support for physician associates differed across the three hospitals. Conclusion: This study further consolidates the role of physician associates to multiprofessional teams and patient care and emphasises the importance of providing support to individuals and teams when integrating new professions. Interprofessional learning throughout healthcare careers can develop interprofessional working within multiprofessional teams. Impact: Leaders in healthcare will see that clarity about the role of physician associates must be given to staff members and patients. Employers and team members will see the need to properly integrate new professions and team members within the workplace and to enhance professional identities. The research will also impact on educational establishments to provide more interprofessional training. Patient and Public Involvement: There is no patient and public involvement.