Physician Associate

**Physician Associate Role**

**Practice Profile**

Binscombe Medical Centre is a semi-rural GMS practice with 11,100 patients, and is part of the East Waverley PCN.

Our existing clinical team consists of 7 GP Partners, 4 Salaried GPs, Physician Associate and a team of 3 practice nurses & 3 HCAs. The clinical team is supported by the Practice Manager and Assistant Practice Manager who oversee an experienced team of administrators and receptionists. We also employ a practice Care Coordinator as part of the ARRS scheme, as well as a PCN-funded Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician.

**Job Summary**

As Physician Associate (PA), you will work as part of the Team using a wide range of the skills you have including (but not limited to);
- Care planning
- Supporting GPs with managing results
- Supporting GPs with their paperwork.

**Main Duties**

The PA will work collaboratively with practice teams to meet the needs of patients. They will demonstrate critical thinking in the clinical decision-making process, including assessment and diagnostic skills, leading to the delivery of safe care for all patients.

The role will provide a holistic clinical service, with support from GPs as required, implementing agreed plans and following approved protocols.

The PA will be expected to consult with patients who present on the day or via pre-booked appointments, conduct online consultations triage and delivery of care, and may be expected to carry out some home visits.

The PA will be supervised by a GP, with the level and type of supervision determined by their skills and knowledge and the practice’s clinical governance arrangements.

**Responsibilities**:
**Support Patients**

Participate in all treatment and preventative healthcare services in the practice as delegated and agreed by the supervising GP.

Provide direct clinical care to patients using up to date clinical guidelines. Consult and refer patients to physicians, medical specialists and other health professionals as deemed appropriate.

Consult with patients, take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analyse, diagnose and explain medical problems during surgery consultations and home visits. Recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment. Establish a working diagnosis and management plan in partnership with the patient (and their carers where applicable).

Request and interpret results of laboratory investigations when necessary. Perform specialised diagnostic physical examinations and treatment procedures.

Educate patients in preventative health care to enable them to make informed decisions about their health.

Support the management of patient’s conditions through offering specialised clinics following appropriate training including (but not limited to) family planning, baby checks, COPD, asthma, diabetes, and anticoagulation.

Conduct telephone consultations which may include discussing results and implications of laboratory investigations.

Fully document all aspects of patient care on patient’s EMIS record and complete any relevant paperwork.

**Support PCN Development & Integrated Care**

Develop integrated patient-centred care through appropriate wording with the wider primary care multi-disciplinary team and social care networks. Support Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings as required.

Utilise clinical guidelines and promote evidence-based practice and partake in clinical audits, significant event reviews and other research and analysis tasks.

Contribute to the clinical development of the Practice by developing a specialist clinical interest and to help establish appropriate systems to manage common chronic medical conditions, ensuring compliance with NHS guidelines.

**Professional Development**

Work under the clinical supervision of a named GP

Maintain professional registration and participate in continuing professional development opportunities by keeping up to date with evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspects of their role, meeting clinical governance guidelines.

Undertake 50 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year. A minimum of 25 hours must be in accredited direct learning programmes. Develop and agree a personal development plan (PDP) utilising a reflective approach to practice, operating under appropriate clinical supervision.

Attend and contribute to practice, PCN and other education and development opportunities.

Take and pass the national re-certification exam every 6 years in accordance with the requirements of the PA Managed Voluntary Register and as recommended by the National Examination Sub Committee of the UKUBPAE (UK Universities Board of Physician Associate Education) and subsequently as required by the statutory regulating body when in place.

**Person Specification**

**Qualifications and Experience**

**Essential**
- Completed a post-graduate physician associate course (either PG Diploma or MSc).
- Has maintained professional registration with the F