Table 4.
Demographics and background information concerning the participants (n = 28).
| Professional role | n (%) | Number of years worked with ED PAs | n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultant | 7 (25) | Less than 2 months | 0 |
| Registrar | 6 (21.4) | 2–6 months | 8 (28.6) |
| Middle grade | 2 (7.1) | 6 months to 1 year | 6 (21.4) |
| Senior house officer | 6 (21.4) | Over 1 year | 14 (50) |
| Foundation Year 1 doctor in training | 2 (7.1) | ||
| Foundation Year 2 doctor in training | 5 (17.9) |
| Questions relating to the role of the physician associate (PA) | Poor | Satisfactory | Good | Excellent | Unsure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Rating of PAs' ability to see patients with undifferentiated diagnoses | 2 (7.1) | 1 (3.6) | 13 (46.4) | 12 (42.9) | 0 |
| 2. Rating of the PAs' ability to take medical histories | 1 (3.6) | 2 (7.1) | 7 (25) | 18 (64.3) | 0 |
| 3. Rating of PAs' ability to carry out clinical examinations | 2 (7.1) | 1 (3.6) | 10 (35.7) | 15 (53.6) | 0 |
| 4. Rating of PAs' ability to formulate differential diagnoses and management plans | 2 (7.1) | 2 (7.1) | 11 (39.3) | 13 (46.4) | 0 |
| 5. PAs' ability to develop and deliver appropriate treatment and management plans for the patients in the ED | 2 (7.1) | 3 (10.7) | 11 (39.3) | 12 (42.9) | 0 |
| 6. PAs' ability to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures | 2 (7.1) | 4 (14.3) | 12 (42.9) | 7 (25) | 3 (10.7) |
| 7. PAs' ability to interpret diagnostic studies | 2 (7.1) | 2 (7.1) | 15 (53.6) | 9 (32.1) | 0 |
| 8. PAs' ability to provide health promotion and disease prevention advice for patients in the ED | 2 (7.1) | 1 (3.6) | 8 (28.6) | 17 (60.7) | 0 |
Abbreviation: ED, Emergency Department.