Physician associates increase doctors’ workloads, survey finds

Working with physician and anaesthesia associates actually increases a doctor’s workload rather than freeing up time to focus on care of patients, a BMA survey finds.1

The association surveyed more than 18 000 UK doctors to inform its position on physician and anaesthesia associates. Some 55% (7397 of 13 344 who responded to this question) reported that their workload had risen since the employment of medical associate professionals, with only 21% (2799 of 13 344) reporting a decreased workload.

The House of Lords will shortly consider legislation to regulate physician associates under the General Medical Council rather than the Health and Care Professions Council.

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Source: BMJ, 2 February 2024