Acute Surgical Series Teaching for Physicians Associates
Wilson, Jacob Tilston, Thomas
Wilson, Jacob
Tilston, Thomas
Glos Author
Date
2020-12-07
Journal Title
Type
Conference Abstract
Collections
Abstract
Aims:
Increasingly there is a role for physicians associates (PAs) working alongside surgeons in clinical practice. Surgical trainees delivered a series of surgical case studies to PAs in order to improve confidence when managing the acute surgical patient in Accident & Emergency (A&E).
Methods:
Surgical trainees delivered the “Acute Surgical Series” teaching programme to 9 PAs working in A&E. The series consists of 4 x 1 hour sessions - each with up to 3 case studies. Case studies included appendicitis, diverticulitis, acute limb ischemia etc. We collated pre and post course feedback.
Results:
The PAs taught had been qualified for up to 2 years. They had 4-8 weeks in surgical placements as undergraduates, and generally very limited exposure once qualified. 89% of PAs strongly agreed this teaching would help them to initiate initial investigations and management when attending surgical patients. All indicated they would like increased teaching from different surgical specialties.
Conclusions:
We have improved confidence in assessing the acute surgical patient amongst PAs working in our hospital. Longer term we hope to expand multi-disciplinary teaching programmes such as these to improve relations and referrals between departments.
Citation
Wilson, J., Farrow, E., & Tilston, T. (2020, December). Acute surgical series teaching for physicians associates. British Journal of Surgery.