Physician Associate

The PA will provide care for the presenting patient from initial history taking and clinical assessment through to the diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of care. 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. They will work collaboratively with the healthcare team to meet the needs of the patients, supporting the delivery of policy and procedures. The PA will provide a holistic and clinical service, with support from GPs as required, implementing agreed management plans and following approved protocols as appropriate.

The PA will be expected on a typical day to consult with patients who present on the day and via booked appointments, occasionally home visits maybe required. The PA will also review and act appropriately on blood results and referrals/correspondence regarding their patients. This post is to provide medical services that the PA is competent to perform, consistent with their education, training and experience. This is to be delivered through delegated authority from the supervising doctors who have responsibility for the patient.

This delegation does not relieve the supervising doctors from the responsibility of continued care. Mentorship and supervision will be provided by designated senior medical personnel. The level and type of supervision will be dependent on the post holders acquisition of skills and knowledge and determined by the organizations clinical governance arrangements. The practice hold education meetings every two weeks and the PA would be expected to attend and partake in these.

**Duties and Responsibilities The PA will be required to**: Participate in all treatment and preventative healthcare services in the practice as delegated and agreed by the supervising physicians in the practice. Provide direct clinical care to patients using established clinical guidelines. To consult and refer patients to physicians, medical specialists and other health professionals as indicated. To interview patients, take medical histories, perform physical examinations, analyse, diagnose and explain medical problems.

To recommend and explain appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment. To perform specialised diagnostic physical exams and treatment procedures. To instruct and educate patients in preventative health care. To confer with patients by telephone to convey test results, hear emergency complaints and deal with similar situations and issues.

Order laboratory tests as required and agreed under supervising physicians. Fully document all aspects of patient care and complete all required paperwork for legal and administrative purposes. Perform a variety of research and analysis tasks associated with medical diagnosis and treatment. Research unusual symptoms and treatment options, through consultation with physicians and other medical specialists.

Provide literature reviews and the like; review, analyse and determine the significance of a variety of diagnostic test results. Formulate diagnoses and treatment plans, in consultation with or referring to supervising physician as appropriate. Give clinical instructions to nursing staff and Primary Care Team as required. Confer regularly with the Partners, supervising physicians and other health care staff, refer specific patients, plan and co-ordinate activities, exchange information, investigate and resolve problems.

Deal regularly with community hospitals, physicians and other health care providers, insurance companies and other community organisations to refer/consult on specific cases, participate in community service and education projects and activities and the like. Keep up to date on relevant medical research, technology and related issues by attending continuing education courses and professional meetings, reading journals etc. To ensure continuing education, training and development is undertaken to meet clinical governance guidelines for Continuing Professional Development and a Personal Development Plan. Work collaboratively with the clinical team to ensure continuity of care is maintained on specific services/projects.

Work to deliver, with other members of the practice and Primary Healthcare Team, the objectives of the GMS Contract. Encourage and ensure good working relationships with all members of the primary healthcare team. To contribute to the clinical and management development of the Practice. Meet as appropriate with Partners on a regular basis to report on progress and contribute to the systematic development of local primary care provision.

To commit to undertake 50 hours of continuing medical education per year (outside contracted hours) and take and pass the national re-certification exam every 6 years if relevant in accordance with the requirements of the PA Managed Voluntary and as recommended by the National Examination Sub Committee of the UKUBPAE (UK Universities Board of Physi