The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ High level principles concerning physician associates (PAs) statement.
Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:
“The consensus statement published by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges outlines high level principles on physician associates and how best to utilise them to safely support excellent patient care. The Royal College of Physicians is clear that PAs, when deployed appropriately, make a valuable contribution to a multidisciplinary team – but they are not doctors, nor a replacement for doctors.
“The RCP and Faculty of Physician Associates are working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to produce additional guidance on scope of practice, which will build on these principles and set out consistent standards.”