The impact of the implementation of physician assistants in inpatient care: A multicenter matched-controlled study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medical care for admitted patients in hospitals is increasingly reallocated to physician assistants (PAs). There is limited evidence about the consequences for the quality and safety of care. This study aimed to determine the effects of substitution of inpatient care from medical doctors (MDs) to PAs on patients' length of stay (LOS), quality and safety of care, and patient experiences with the provided care.

Methods

In a multicenter matched-controlled study, the traditional model in which only MDs are employed for inpatient care (MD model) was compared with a mixed model in which besides MDs also PAs are employed (PA/MD model). Thirty-four wards were recruited across the Netherlands. Patients were followed from admission till one month after discharge. Primary ou

SUBMITTER: Timmermans MJC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5549960 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature