Table 2.

Topics of discussion during interviews and focus groups

PHASE	TOPICS OF DISCUSSION DURING INTERVIEWS AND FOCUS GROUPS
1 (baseline interviews)	Suggested sources of evidence for planning Perspectives on roles of PAs in primary care Perspectives on needed characteristics and qualifications of PAs working in primary care Desired effects of including PAs in primary care Potential challenges and risks associated with introduction of PAs Advice for implementing this initiative Perspectives on the evaluation
2 (introduction of PAs at the 3 initial sites)	Initial expectations of PA introduction What has worked well with implementing this initiative Facilitators of positive introduction Challenges to implementation of this initiative Strategies to avoid and address challenges Changes resulting from PA introduction Advice for future implementation of this initiative
3 (introduction of PAs at the 3 remaining evaluation sites)	Previous evaluation participants: health professionals and steering committee members Response to evaluation findings to date Extent to which initial challenges have been addressed Identification of any new challenges Additional or ongoing supports that are needed How the PA role changed or evolved Overall evaluation of experience with the implementation of this initiative (probe specifics) Overall evaluation of the effects of introducing PAs (probe specifics) Unique aspects of the PA role Advice for Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors; health regions; and the University of Manitoba New evaluation participants: health professionals and steering committee members Initial expectations What is working well in implementation Challenges to implementation of this initiative Supports needed Changes experienced as a result of PA role at site Overall evaluation of the experience with implementation of this initiative (probe specifics) Overall evaluation of the effects of introducing PAs (probe specifics) Unique aspects of PA role Advice for Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors; health regions; and the University of Manitoba Patient interviews Satisfaction with care at the clinic or site Satisfaction with physician care Satisfaction with PA care How the experience has changed with introduction of PAs to the site Specific probes (varied by hospital or clinic focus): effects on access, care, time, etc Advice on PA use for Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors and regions

PA—physician assistant.