Work

Physician associate preceptorship: Experience of a novel programme in Inverness

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • Physician Associates in the UK could benefit from a structured programme of learning post qualification, however this is not currently mandated. • We share our experience of a structured preceptorship model for Physician Associates in our area, which brought improved practitioner confidence in addition to providing assurance of quality. • We advocate for a national level framework to support standardisation of preceptorship for all Physician Associates working in the UK. Physician associates (PAs) are a developing profession in the UK. The Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) recommends the establishment of local preceptorship programmes for PAs in the first year of practice who have successfully passed the PA national exam. Limited evidence currently exists around the evaluation of such local programmes and the experience of the intern PAs involved. Over the course of a 12-month period, four intern PAs completed a structured preceptorship comprising clinical supervision, teaching and mentoring. Upon completion of this programme, qualitative data were recorded and analysed to influence the development of the preceptorship in future. In conclusion, a structured preceptorship has been shown to be a useful method of improving clinician confidence and competence while offering a supported working environment for newly qualified PAs.

Source: Future Healthcare Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.fhj.2024.100200

Authors: Liam Allan, Duncan Scott, Ed Paterson, Tony Golabek

Institution: Raigmore Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Nursing Roles and Practices

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000