A physician associate-led clinic for people with severe mental illness in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate an enhanced physical health clinic led by physician associates (PAs) for patients with severe mental illness. Methods: A guidance and data collection tool was developed to support and document the outcomes of the PA-led enhanced physical health clinic. Results: The clinic led to diagnoses of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hematologic abnormalities. One patient was started on metformin, two patients started a prediabetes program with their general practitioner, one patient started simvastatin, one patient switched from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, and one patient switched from olanzapine to aripiprazole because of metabolic adverse reactions. Three patients intended to contact the National Health Service for cancer screening for which they were eligible but they had not taken up. Conclusions: PAs can be integrated into a community mental health multidisciplinary team and support the physical health of people with severe mental illness. Mental health trusts should consider roles for PAs in their workforce planning.