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Physician Associates Survey


We are conducting a survey to gather valuable feedback from both the public, and healthcare professionals, on the role of Physician Associates (PAs) within our local healthcare system. As an integral part of multidisciplinary teams, PAs support doctors in providing high-quality patient care, but we want to understand more about how they are perceived, their effectiveness, and any areas for improvement.

This survey aims to assess experiences and perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders, including patients who have interacted with PAs, and healthcare professionals who collaborate with them. Your insights will help us identify strengths, address concerns, and refine how PAs contribute to healthcare delivery.

By sharing your experiences, you can help shape the future of physician associate practice, ensuring they continue to enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes. The responses will be used to inform policy decisions, optimise training programs, and refine the integration of PAs into the healthcare system.

We encourage you to participate, as your feedback is essential in guiding improvements and fostering a more effective, patient-centred healthcare environment.

The survey will close on 31st August 2025.

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Who are physician associates?

If you have had first hand experience, as a patient or as a carer, of being looked after by a Physician Associate then we would like to know your thoughts.

Physician associates (PAs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a doctor to provide medical care to patients.

Education - PAs complete an undergraduate degree in a health-related subject, followed by a two-year postgraduate qualification. The postgraduate training covers similar topics to a medical degree, but is less in-depth. 

Responsibilities - PAs can assess, diagnose, and treat patients, and perform clinical duties like taking medical histories and conducting physical exams. They work in primary, secondary, and community care environments. 

Supervision - PAs work under the supervision of a senior doctor, such as a GP or hospital consultant. They are independent practitioners and can work with some autonomy with appropriate support. 

Limitations - PAs are not allowed to prescribe medication or request X-rays. They are intended to supplement, not substitute, fully qualified doctors. 

PAs are a relatively new profession in the UK, with the first courses producing graduates since 2007. The PA role is intended to support doctors in their roles, in response to evolving healthcare need.  Some of our local GP practices already employ PAs but we are interested in the thoughts of everyone in Suffolk and North East Essex and not just patients at surgeries who are already employing PAs.

1.  

Are you familiar with the role of physician associate?

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3.  

Would you be comfortable seeing a physician associate in future?

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4.  

Please indicate your thoughts about the following statements.

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I would recommend a friend or family member to be cared for by a physician associate
I feel confident in the care provided by a physician associate
Physician associates have the knowledge and skills to look after me
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Are you completing this survey as a 

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