Extensive evaluations were conducted frequently to closely follow the evolution of our role in order to provide the most comprehensive analysis possible. Dr. Phyllis Ho, a Masters' degree student at TQEH, conducted some of the internal evaluations while she simultaneously researched the PA profession. Her manuscript, which describes her findings, has been accepted for future publication in the ANZ Journal of Surgery. In regarding our time at TQEH, she stated, “I really appreciated the conduct, attitude, diligence, and professionalism of the two PAs working here…. (This was) not easy as, to a certain extent, it was not just about the PA profession being evaluated but also Amy and Dawanda as individual health care providers. Our results so far regarding patient satisfaction, quality of care, and acceptance of the PA profession by other health professionals are quite positive.”
Quarterly reviews on the role of the PA, specific duties performed by PAs, and feedback from the PAs as well as the clinicians who work directly with them are continuing to be conducted by Healthcare Management Advisors Pty Ltd (HMA), an external evaluator. HMA will report on all aspects of the pilot trial, and their findings will be published when the trial, which includes the contracts of two other PAs, is complete.
Terri Peischl, PA-C, from Seattle, Washington, was contracted to work in the Department of Anaesthesia, Pain, and Hyperbaric Medicine at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. She practices in perioperative medicine with Professor Guy Ludbrook.
Noah Wichman, PA-C, from Durham, North Carolina, was contracted to work in the Department of Paediatric and Child Health at Flinders Medical Centre. He is practicing in an outpatient setting with Dr. David Everett and will complete his contract in early 2010.
Positives from the trial are creating forward momentum of the PA profession in South Australia. All four PAs were asked to sign on for another year with their respective teams. Three of the four will extend their stay for at least 6 months to 1 year, the fourth PA has returned to the United States. In addition, a concept proposal of a Masters' degree program for PAs has been submitted to a university in Adelaide for consideration. These developments demonstrate interest in the role of the PA.
Finally, South Australia is not the only state in Australia that is conducting PA trials. Currently, five PAs from the United States are working in clinical settings in Queensland under similar 1-year contracts. The University of Queensland launched the first Australian PA program in July 2009. Their first class of students is now in session. The James Cook University in northern Queensland is also planning to start a PA program in February 2011. Of interest, PA academics will be utilized at both institutions.
My participation in the South Australia trial was a very positive experience particularly because of the open-mindedness and acceptance of colleagues from a myriad of disciplines. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to what the future might hold for our profession throughout Australia. JAAPA
Dawanda Pesicka was practicing at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, at the time this article was written. The author has indicated no relationships to disclose relating to the content of this article