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BMA Calls for Ban on Physician Associates Diagnosing Patients

Following the death of a woman due to a missed blood clot diagnosis, the British Medical Association advocates for stricter guidelines on the roles of medical associate professions.

Overview

  • The British Medical Association (BMA) has issued guidance recommending a ban on physician associates (PAs) diagnosing patients, in response to increased scrutiny after high-profile mistakes.
  • The call for action comes after the death of Emily Chesterton, who was misdiagnosed twice by a PA, leading to her fatal pulmonary embolism.
  • The BMA suggests a 'traffic light system' for tasks that medical associate professions (MAPs) can do alone, need supervision for, or should not do at all.
  • Over 18,100 UK doctors surveyed by the BMA reported a higher workload since the introduction of PAs and anaesthesia associates (AAs), with only 21% noting a decreased workload.
  • The Department of Health and Social Care defends the role of PAs, citing over two decades of positive contributions to medical teams, and highlights upcoming legislation to regulate and set standards for practice.