Retired GP and psychiatrist, David Zigmond, believes that increasing the number of physician associates (PAs) working in hospitals and primary care could add to the demoralization of the GP workforce. While the government plans to use PAs to offload work from doctors and improve patient care, Zigmond argues that this plan overlooks the complexities of medical practice. PAs lack the depth and breadth of medical knowledge required to make rapid and accurate judgments in primary care, leading to potential errors in diagnosis and treatment. He suggests that instead of training and employing more PAs, the government should invest in and protect the work of doctors and nurses to create a more efficient and satisfying healthcare workforce.
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The expansion of physician associates in primary care risks alienating an already ailing GP workforce
