Physician assistants: employing a new health provider in the South Australian health system

Abstract

New health roles and models are needed to address future workforce shortages in Australian health care. A pilot trial of introducing two United States-trained physician assistants (PAs) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, from October 2008 to October 2009, demonstrated difficulties in introducing PAs into the South Australian health system. Unforeseen delays in planning and implementing the trial occurred. This led to a loss of personnel and a second round of recruitment. The PAs’ scope of practice was limited, and they could not demonstrate their work as they do in the US. Full use of their prescribing licence was not allowed until 3 months into the trial, and their authority to order radiology tests was limited. The issues faced at Queen Elizabeth Hospital could be avoided in future trials, ensuring a smoother trial period.