Utilizing the physician assistant role: case study in an upper-extremity orthopedic surgical program

摘要

Background Shortages with resources and inefficiencies with orthopedic services in Canada create opportunities for alternative staffing models and ways to use existing resources. Physician assistants (PAs) are a common provider used in specialty orthopedic services in the United States; however, Canada has limited experience with PAs. As part of a larger demonstration project, Alberta Health Services (AHS) implemented 1 PA position in an upper-extremity surgical program in Alberta, Canada, to demonstrate the role in 4 areas: preoperative, operative, postoperative and follow-up care.