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<p>While general practice (GP) remains at the heart of primary care, a wide range
of clinicians are well suited to supporting patients in GP, as part of multi-disciplinary
teams. This includes Physician Associates (PAs), who work alongside GPs and the wider
practice teams, to provide care. PAs are not substitutes for GPs or doctors in training,
rather they are specifically trained to work collaboratively with doctors and others.
PAs work within a defined scope of practice and limits of competence. NHS England
has provided recent guidance on the use of PAs in GP teams.</p><p>As set out in the
Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service, where their named GP supervisor is satisfied
that adequate supervision, supporting governance and systems are in place, PAs can
provide first point of contact care for patients presenting with undifferentiated,
undiagnosed problems. Underpinning this is the supervising GP’s confidence in the
PA’s competence, based on the knowledge and skills gained through their training and
development.</p>
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