TY - JOUR T1 - Physician associate prescribing: perspectives, practices and pathways JF - Future Healthcare Journal JO - Future Healthc J SP - 274 LP - 281 DO - 10.7861/fhj.2022-0031 VL - 9 IS - 3 AU - Brogan N Guest AU - Chanceeth Chandrakanthan AU - Kate Bascombe AU - Jeannie Watkins Y1 - 2022/11/01 UR - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/9/3/274.abstract N2 - With the introduction of statutory regulation of physician associates (PAs) through the General Medical Council (GMC) expected in 2024, we anticipate a consultation on whether PAs will be given prescribing rights and how this will happen. In anticipation of this consultation, we surveyed the opinions of PAs and healthcare professionals (HCPs) who work with them regarding prescribing rights for PAs. We had a combined response of more than 500 and the survey results show that the vast majority of respondents across the two groups are in favour of prescribing rights for PAs. While both HCPs and PAs overall feel that PAs should have prescribing rights, PAs prefer generalised rights while HCPs recommend specialist rights only. To ensure safe prescribing, we advocate for a safety assessment followed by a period of supervision in their specialty before prescribing rights are given: our data show that confidence, knowledge and safety increases with length of time in specialty. Prescribing rights for PAs will help them become more independent and valuable assets to the healthcare team, increasing efficiency and improving patient care. ER -