On 20th September 2024, UMAPs was informed that the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Council voted 61% in favour of opposing the role of Physician Associates (PAs) in general practice.
UMAPs acknowledges the concerns raised by RCGP members regarding patient safety. These concerns have yet to be substantiated with clear empirical evidence. We recognise the challenges the RCGP may be facing as it navigates these discussions, but it is especially Important as it has now been requested by the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care that all decisions are to be made with an evidence base.
While many GPs continue to support PAs within their practices, we acknowledge the RCGP’s decision and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue moving forward. Our aim is to work collaboratively to maintain patient safety while optimising the contribution of all clinicians. This includes recognising the valuable work of the 2,000 PAs currently in general practice, whose contributions have been deemed both safe and beneficial to patient care by their supervisors.
We appreciate that the RCGP has sensibly not called for the immediate expulsion of PAs from general practice, and we remain committed to addressing any concerns in an open and collaborative manner. We request a pause in the development of documentation from the RCGP, during which time we propose the establishment of a joint working group with key stakeholders to conduct a thorough review of patient safety data.
Regulation under the General Medical Council (GMC) will begin on the 13th December 2024. The GMC have published the learning outcomes document for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) upon qualification. We hope the RCGP, and employers, recognise this document, and acknowledge this as the minimum level of practice for PAs.
UMAPs is dedicated to supporting both MAPs and their employers to maintain their contractual obligations and professional standards. While we remain committed to collaboration with employers, in cases where employment practices have deviated from the legal requirements, we have successfully secured appropriate outcomes for our members. We are willing and hopeful in continuing to work with the RCGP and employers to strengthen confidence in the profession and resolve any outstanding concerns, while ensuring that PAs continue to provide high-quality care that best serves patient needs.
United Medical Associate Professionals Acting NEC
UMAPs
References
- Rcgp. RCGP changes position on Physician Associates working in general practice. RCGP Changes Position on Physician Associates Working in General Practice [Internet]. 2024 Sep 20; Available from: https://www.rcgp.org.uk/News/physician-associates-council-update
