Oxford Study Finds No Evidence Supporting Safety of Physician Associates in NHS
A review of 29 studies highlights the lack of data on the safety, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency of physician and anaesthetic associates in the UK healthcare system.
- The University of Oxford's review, published in the BMJ, found no evidence that physician associates (PAs) and anaesthetic associates (AAs) improve patient care or ensure safety in the NHS.
- The study revealed a severe lack of research into safety incidents involving PAs, despite past cases of harm and misdiagnoses leading to patient deaths.
- Researchers noted that PAs often struggle in general practice settings, with limited data supporting their ability to manage complex or high-dependency patients effectively.
- The expansion of PAs and AAs in the NHS has been criticized by experts and professional bodies, who call for clear national guidelines and evidence-based policies before further implementation.
- A government-commissioned review of the roles of PAs and AAs, led by Professor Gillian Leng, is expected to be published this spring to address ongoing concerns.
The Independent 
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