Exploring the effect of PAs on physician trainee learning

Maura N. Polansky, Marjan J.B. Govaerts, Renée E. Stalmeijer, Ahmed Eid, Diane C. Bodurka, Diana H.J.M. Dolmans

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Physician assistants (PAs) often have been embedded in academic medical centers to help ensure an adequate patient care workforce while supporting compliance with workhour restrictions for residents and fellows (also called trainees). Limited studies have explored the effect of PAs on trainee learning. This qualitative study explored, from the perspective of physician faculty and PAs, how PAs working in the clinical learning environment can enhance or hinder trainee learning. Methods: Using purposive sampling, 12 PAs and 12 physician faculty members in one US teaching hospital were selected for semistructured interviews. Data collection and analysis were characterized by an iterative process. Data analysis was informed by principles of conventional content analysis. Results: Participants identifi ed various ways in which PAs may affect trainee learning, intrinsically linked to the roles PAs assume in the clinical learning environment: clinician, teammate, and clinical teacher. Trainee learning may be enhanced because learning time can be optimized by having PAs in the clinical learning environment. Trainees can learn about PAs and how to collaborate with them, and PAs can enculturate and provide clinical instruction to trainees. Trainee learning may be hindered if learning opportunities for trainees go to PAs, trainees feel intimidated by experienced PAs, or trainees become too dependent on PAs. Conclusions: Our fi ndings demonstrate enhancements and hindrances to trainees' learning linked to three key roles PAs perform in the clinical learning environment. These fi ndings can inform how PAs are integrated into teaching services. Further investigation is needed to understand how PAs can balance their professional roles to foster effective collaborative practice and learning.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)47-53
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
Volume32
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • academic healthcare
  • clinical learning environment
  • physician assistants
  • residents
  • teaching
  • trainees

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nurse Assisting

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