Deployment and Career Trends of Physician Assistants: Executive Summary

摘要

This report describes the current role of the physician assistant profession in the U.S. The data are based on a 1978 survey of the physician assistant profession, a survey of surgical department chairmen in U.S. hospitals, and a survey of new health practitioners in Maine. Three-quarters of the profession are working in primary care fields. Thirty-two percent of the physician assistant profession in contrast to fourteen percent of the medical profession are working in non-urban areas. Recent physician assistant graduates are more likely to be women, have a non-military medical background, and have a more extensive college background. Surgical physician assistants are working in one-third of major U.S. hospitals and an 89% increase is projected by 1984. Maine physician assistants were more likely than Maine nurse practitioners to work in rural areas and to see more patients per week. Physician assistants are making important contributions in health care. Programs should continue at least at current levels of training. New roles should be developed for physician assistants as replacements for residents-in-training. Effective utilization of non-physician health care providers would make a major reduction in medical school output feasible.