For patients
Physicians’ Assistants (Anaesthesia) are highly trained and skilled healthcare professionals who are qualified to administer anaesthesia under the supervision of a medically qualified anaesthetist. The role is relatively new to the UK, but is common practice in Scandinavia, northern Europe and the United States. The PA(A) will be a health professional or a university graduate who has undergone a further twenty-seven month programme of postgraduate training, which leads to a Postgraduate Diploma in Anaesthetic Practice. PA(A)s do not have a medical qualification. The full curriculum for PA(A) training can be found at here.
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A small FAQ brochures
How will the PA(A)be involved in your care?
PA(A)s are involved in several ways.
Carrying out your pre-operative assessment for anaesthesia.
Planning your anaesthetic and ensuring it is approved by their supervisor.
Ensuring you are properly prepared for surgery.
Administering and monitoring your anaesthetic throughout your operation.
Assisting your anaesthetist if you have your operation under regional anaesthesia, with or without sedation.
Helping with your care in the time immediately after your operation.
Some Trusts may choose to employ PA(A)s to support doctors in Accident & Emergency departments, Emergency Medicine and Critical Care where their advanced skills will be a benefit to patients, or after post-qualification training to perform certain local anaesthetic techniques.