Safety review of UK physician associate roles published

The review was led by the Royal Society of Medicine president, Professor Gillian Leng CBE, to determine whether physician associates are safe and effective members of a multidisciplinary team.

Physician associates were introduced into NHS multidisciplinary teams in 2003 under wider healthcare trends to enable doctors to focus on more complex cases.  At the time, there were no university training programs in place. The rapid expansion of physician associates’ roles (beyond originally defined boundaries) had culminated in their integration in multidisciplinary teams working in emergency departments and anaesthesia rooms, as well as within primary care settings.  

The Leng review analysed available research, evidence and data to also consider modifications needed for the safe and effective deployment of these roles in England, and to improve the public’s confidence.  

Overall, the government has accepted the recommendations which include: adoption of the term ’assistant’ to accurately reflect the scope of practice and supervision arrangements; and the introduction of regulations to provide oversight, professional responsibility and accountability of assistant physician roles within the healthcare system. Medical colleges and professional bodies are recommended to consult members before expanding the assistant physician roles within their specialties.

ANZCA recognises the value of assistant roles to the anaesthetist in providing efficient and effective patient care. We consider that the use of the word 'assistant' or 'anaesthetic nurse/technician' works well in the Australian and New Zealand context. ANZCA recognises the added value that appropriately trained and skilled clinicians may contribute to patient care in appropriately supervised and supported roles supporting an anaesthetist.

The Leng Review report can be found here.