Abstract
Objective: Examine the impact and trends for academic physician assistants (PAs) who have become contributing members of an urban pediatric otolaryngology practice. We will compare these outcomes to regional and national trends among otolaryngology groups.
Method: This will be an electronic survey study. This survey will be through the web-based service “SurveyMonkey.” There will be complete anonymity among respondents. Survey data will be password protected.
Results: Our study will contribute the following: 1) A better understanding of trends among otolaryngology practices regarding utilization of PAs between different subspecialties within otolaryngology. 2) An analysis of the evolving role of PAs, looking at how they complete their subspecialty training, the length of the shadow period, and the breakdown between the outpatient and inpatient setting. A comparison of PAs’ practice patterns in private versus academic practice. (3) An analysis of patient satisfaction and department and physician productivity measures. (4) A better understanding of trends among otolaryngology practices regarding utilization of PAs versus Nurse Practitioners (NPs).
Conclusion: PAs have been providing medical care for patients since the 1960s and perform many of the supervised services that physicians offer. PAs are able to consult patients, formulate treatment plans, perform procedures, and prescribe medications. In addition, PAs have been fulfilling a critical need when there is a shortage of doctors.
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