Research Paper Title

Physician assistant utilisation in the US Armed Forces: applicability to the UK Defence Medical Services.

Background

Physicians assistants (PAs) are being increasingly utilised by the US Armed Forces both in homeland medical treatment provision as well as while on deployment.

In a deployed environment, the US has the flexibility to interchange doctors with specialty-trained PAs in all roles of care due to their ability to practice autonomously, thereby filling shortfalls created by the lack of specialty physicians.

PAs are increasingly being utilised within the UK National Health Service, in similar roles to their US counterparts.

This paper postulates that PAs have an equivalent role to play in the future of medical care provision within the UK Defence Medical Services, including on military operations.

Reference

Rabener, M.J. & Breeze, J. (2020) Physician assistant utilisation in the US Armed Forces: applicability to the UK Defence Medical Services. BMJ Military Health. pii: jramc-2019-001298. doi: 10.1136/jramc-2019-001298. [Epub ahead of print].