Physician Associates working in general practice : New resources available

 

 

 

As the number of people requiring access to GP services increases, the pressure on staff and resources can be significant, especially in areas where recruitment is difficult.

In 2018 a booklet Physician Associates, a working solution in primary care was sent to every practice in England. It gives a short overview of how these clinical graduates complement the work of GPs and are able to add extra flexibility and capacity to practice teams. This year, the General Medical Council (GMC) was announced as the regulator for the profession. It is anticipated this process should be completed by the end of 2021.

GPs expressed a need for access to information with downloadable templates and answers to FAQs – particularly as this role is relatively new. These are ready for use and available on the dedicated general practice employers section on the Faculty of Physician Associates website. Please forward this notice through your local primary care networks to GP practices, CCGs, LWABs, PCNs and STPs.

You will find:

  • Local contacts and a map listing University PA courses
  • FAQs
  • Case studies
  • Resources (downloadable information and template examples to adapt)
  • PA booklet- an overview
  • GP supervisor and physician associate guide – step by step handbook for the 1st year in practice
  • Basics quick guide – introductory information based on most commonly asked questions
  • Prescribing in general practice – highlights some ideas and practical tips to implement safe
  • Prescribing in your practice
  • Patient leaflet – information template

Recruitment

Recruitment flyer – 3 easy steps

Job description and person specification templates

The website page will be updated as required. We recently received a request for more information about supervision for example. Case studies including short video accounts from GPs, PAs and the wider team are being developed as volunteers submit their thoughts. Please feel free to use in local presentations or let us know what else you need.

Thank you very much for your continued support.

HEE Primary and Community Care Team

November 2019

Downloadable version: HEE GP resources Nov 2019