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    Understanding and Supporting Physician Associate Students in Clinical Placements​

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    Institute of Health Sciences Education (IHSE)
    		   

    Essential Information

    Welcome to the "Understanding and Supporting Physician Associate Students in Clinical Placements" e-learning program! This comprehensive training module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support Physician Associate (PA) students during their clinical placements. By engaging with this program, you will gain a deeper understanding of the PA role, educational structure, and the essential components of a successful clinical placement experience.
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    Course Page Summary

    Below is an overview of the modules included in this program:

    Module 1: Introduction to Physician Associates (PAs)

    Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role, responsibilities, and key competencies of Physician Associates. 

    Module 2: Structure of Teaching and Learning for PA Students

    Explore the curriculum and training structure for PA students. 

    Module 3: Learning Opportunities on Placement

    Identify suitable learning activities and opportunities for PA students during their placements.

    Module 4: Supporting PA Students and Newly Graduated PAs

    Learn about mentoring and supervision guidelines tailored to the unique needs of PA students.

    Module 5: Integration with Other Healthcare Students and the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

    Understand the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork. 

    Module 6: Assessment and Feedback for PA Students

    Get an overview of assessment methods for evaluating PA students' competencies. 

    Module 7: Compliance and Quality Assurance

    Ensure compliance with GMC and FPA standards. 

    Module 8: Conclusion and Resources

    Review the key points covered throughout the program. 

    By the end of this program, you will be well-equipped to support PA students effectively, ensuring they have a positive and enriching clinical placement experience. Thank you for your commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. 


    Let's get started!

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    Essential Course Page Information

    How to Use This Program:

    • Navigation:

      • The program is divided into eight modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of PA student placements. You can navigate through the modules sequentially or select specific modules based on your needs and interests.

    • Interactive Elements:

      • Engage with interactive elements such as quizzes, case studies, and practical scenarios to reinforce your learning and apply concepts to real-world situations.

    • Resources and Tools:

      • Access additional resources and tools provided within each module to deepen your understanding and support your role as a placement provider.

    • Assessment and Feedback:

      • Complete quizzes and assessments to test your knowledge and receive feedback on your progress. Use these opportunities to reflect on your learning and identify areas for improvement.

    • Continuous Improvement:

      • We encourage you to provide feedback on this e-learning program. Your insights and experiences are valuable in helping us refine and enhance the training for future users.



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    Module 1: Introduction to Physician Associates (PAs)

    • Module 1: Introduction to Physician Associates (PAs)

      Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role, responsibilities, and key competencies of Physician Associates. Learn about the legal and regulatory framework set by the General Medical Council (GMC) and Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) that guides PA practice.

      • Overview of the role of Physician Associates
      • Legal and regulatory framework (GMC, FPA standards)
      • Key competencies and capabilities of PA students

        

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    Learning objectives

      • Define the role and scope of practice of Physician Associates (PAs) according to GMC and FPA standards.
      • Identify the legal and regulatory framework governing the practice of PAs in healthcare settings.
      • Describe the key competencies and capabilities expected of PA students during their training.

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    Overview of the role of Physician Associates

      • Physician Associates (PAs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to provide medical care to patients.
      • They are dependent (supervised) clinicians trained to work in medicine and deliver medical care to patients.
      • They are skilled to take medical histories, perform physical examinations, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and suggest medications.
      • PAs play a crucial role in bridging gaps in healthcare delivery, via continuity of care, particularly in primary care and underserved areas.

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    Module 2: Structure of Teaching and Learning for PA Students

    • Module 2: Structure of Teaching and Learning for PA Students

      Explore the curriculum and training structure for PA students. Understand the balance between theoretical and clinical components and the essential role clinical placements play in PA education.


      • Description of the curriculum for PA training
      • Overview of theoretical and clinical components
      • Role of clinical placements in PA education


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    Learning Objectives

      • Understand the curriculum structure and components of PA education programs.
      • Explain the importance of clinical placements in the training and development of PA students.
      • Identify the roles and responsibilities of placement providers in supporting PA students' learning and professional development
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    Description of the curriculum for PA training

      • The curriculum for PA training consists of both didactic and clinical components.
      • Didactic education includes classroom-based instruction in medical sciences, pharmacology, clinical skills, and professional development.
      • Clinical training involves supervised practice in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community settings, where students apply their knowledge and skills in real-world patient care.

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    Module 3: Learning Opportunities on Placement

    • Module 3: Learning Opportunities on Placement

      Identify suitable learning activities and opportunities for PA students during their placements. Discover practical strategies to integrate PA students into clinical teams, providing them with supervised practice and constructive feedback.

      • Identifying suitable learning activities for PA students
      • Integrating PA students into clinical teams
      • Providing opportunities for supervised practice and feedback

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    Learning Objectives

      • Recognise appropriate learning activities and opportunities for PA students during clinical placements.
      • Demonstrate the ability to integrate PA students into clinical teams and assign appropriate tasks and responsibilities.
      • Provide effective supervision and feedback to PA students to facilitate their learning and skill development.
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    Identifying suitable learning activities for PA students

      • Placement providers should offer a range of learning activities that align with PA students' educational goals and competencies.
      • These activities may include shadowing experienced clinicians initially, conducting patient assessments, assisting with procedures, participating in multidisciplinary team meetings, and engaging in reflective practice.
      • Students are expected to progress each trimester and be encouraged.

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    Module 4: Supporting PA Students and Newly Graduated PAs

    • Module 4: Supporting PA Students and Newly Graduated PAs

      Learn about mentoring and supervision guidelines tailored to the unique needs of PA students. Explore effective strategies to support newly graduated PAs as they transition into practice.


      • Mentoring and supervision guidelines
      • Addressing the unique needs of PA students during placements
      • Transition support for newly graduated PAs entering practice

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    Learning Objectives

      • Understand the principles of mentoring and supervision in supporting PA students during placements.
      • Recognise the unique needs and challenges faced by PA students and newly graduated PAs in clinical practice.
      • Describe strategies for providing transition support and facilitating the integration of newly graduated PAs into healthcare teams.
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    Mentoring and supervision guidelines

      • Mentoring and supervision play key roles in supporting PA students during placements and newly graduated PAs as they transition into practice.
      • Mentors should provide guidance, advice, and support to PA students, helping them navigate clinical challenges, develop professional skills, and achieve their learning objectives.

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    Addressing the unique needs of PA students during placements

      • Placement providers should be aware of the unique needs and challenges faced by PA students during placements, such as adapting to new clinical environments, integrating into clinical teams, and managing workload expectations. ​

      • Providers should offer support and resources to help PA students succeed in their placements.​

      • This is especially important in the current transitional climate.


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    Case Study: "Primary Care Clinic"

    • Case Study: "Primary Care Clinic“



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    Transition support for newly graduated PAs entering practice

    • Transitioning from student to practicing PA can be challenging. Placement providers should offer transition support to newly graduated PAs, including:​

      • orientation to their new roles and responsibilities, ​

      • ongoing mentorship and supervision, ​

      • opportunities for professional development and continuing education.


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    Quiz: Matching

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    Background of the role of Physician Associates

      • Although the physician associate profession is still considered relatively ‘new’ in the UK, the first physician associates were formally introduced in 2003. The role being first developed in the US in the 1960s.
      • They are work across the breadth of medicine as part of a multidisciplinary team.
      • PAs have defined competencies that are overseen directly or indirectly via telephone, this has multiple benefits but particularly increases patient access to care by extension to the team of doctors.
      • The level of supervision depends on many factors including the Pas experience.

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    Overview of theoretical and clinical components

      • Theoretical components of PA education cover foundational medical sciences, anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based medicine.
      • Clinical components focus on developing practical skills in history-taking, physical examination, diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, and patient management.

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    Current Competencies and Limitations




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    Legal and regulatory framework (GMC, FPA standards)

      • The General Medical Council (GMC) and the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) set standards for the education, training, and practice of PAs in the UK.
      • These standards ensure that PAs receive quality education, adhere to ethical principles, and provide safe and effective care to patients.
      • The Department of Health also set out a legacy ‘Competency and Curriculum Framework’.
      Further reading resources can be found at the end.

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    Key competencies and capabilities of PA students

      • PA students undergo rigorous training in both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills.
      • All must have a three-year degree in a life science, then complete an intense two-year postgraduate programme the includes taught theory, practical placements and major projects.
      • They develop competencies in areas such as medical knowledge, patient assessment, clinical reasoning, communication, professionalism, and teamwork.
      • PA students are prepared to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic care to patients.

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    Quiz




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    Case Study

    • Case Study: "Clinical Placement Rotation"




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    Role of clinical placements in PA education

      • Clinical placements are integral to PA education as they provide students with hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.
      • Placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real patient care, develop clinical competencies, and gain exposure to different medical specialties and patient populations.
      • Providers are encouraged to incorporate students within the team with a gradual increase in responsibility as they are orientated.

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    Integrating PA students into clinical teams

      • Placement providers should actively involve PA students in clinical teams, ensuring they have opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and participate in patient care activities.
      • PA students should be assigned tasks and responsibilities appropriate to their level of training and competence, with opportunities for supervision and support as needed.
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    Providing opportunities for supervised practice and feedback


      • •Supervised practice is essential for PA students to develop clinical skills and confidence in their abilities.
      • Placement providers should offer regular supervision and feedback to PA students, providing guidance, constructive criticism, and encouragement to support their learning and professional development.
      • The logbooks offer signposting about what to observe and discuss.

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    Quiz: Scenario-based




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    Module 5: Integration with Other Healthcare Students and the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

    • Module 5: Integration with Other Healthcare Students and the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

      Understand the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork. Discover strategies for effective integration of PA students with other healthcare professionals and students, enhancing team dynamics and patient care.


      • Importance of interprofessional collaboration​

      • Strategies for effective teamwork between PAs and other healthcare professionals​

      • Case studies and examples of successful integration

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    Learning Objectives

      • Appreciate the importance of interprofessional collaboration in delivering high-quality patient care.​

      • Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills when working with other healthcare professionals in the multidisciplinary team.​

      • Identify opportunities for collaboration and shared learning between PA students and students from other healthcare disciplines.

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    Importance of interprofessional collaboration

      • Interprofessional collaboration is essential for delivering high-quality patient care and optimising health outcomes. ​

      • PA students should learn to work effectively with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients.


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    Strategies for effective teamwork between PAs and other healthcare professionals

      • Effective teamwork requires clear communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making among team members. ​

      • PA students should actively engage in interprofessional collaboration, contributing their unique skills and perspectives to the multidisciplinary team and collaborating with colleagues to address patient needs.


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    Case Study

    • Case Study: "Interprofessional Grand Round"



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    Quiz: True or False

    • Quiz: True or False



    • Quiz


      Quiz

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    Module 8: Conclusion and Resources

    • Module 8: Conclusion and Resources

      Review the key points covered throughout the program. Access additional resources for further learning and support, ensuring you are well-equip


      • Key points​

      • Additional resources for further learning and support

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    Summary of key points 

    • In this e-learning programme:​

      • We reviewed the role and standards of Physician Associates (PAs), ​

      • The structure of PA education, ​

      • Learning opportunities on placement, ​

      • Support for PA students and newly graduated PAs, ​

      • Integration with healthcare teams, ​

      • Assessment and feedback practices, ​

      • Compliance with GMC and FPA standards, ​

      • Strategies for continuous improvement.

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    Additional resources for further learning and support

      • We carry out on-going work offer additional resources to support placement providers in their efforts to understand and support PA students in clinical placements. ​

      • These resources may include links to relevant guidelines and standards from the GMC and FPA, educational materials on interprofessional collaboration and teamwork, case studies and examples of successful placement experiences, and professional development opportunities for placement providers. ​

      • We encourage sharing on these resources with anyone that has regular interaction with PA learning.


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    Physician Associate Student Placement Expectations – HEE London

    • The following example document, taken from HEE London by the PA ambassadors, provides an overview of the expectations of a PA student by the end of each of their placements. ​

      • The information in this document aligns with the PA competency framework. ​

      • Whilst training programmes vary and each student is different, this can be used as a guide. 


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    Conclusion

    • By completing this e-learning program, placement providers should be better equipped to understand the capabilities of PA students, structure their teaching and learning activities, provide effective support and supervision, integrate PA students into healthcare teams, conduct assessment and feedback, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and continuously improve placement experiences for PA students. ​

      • We encourage placement providers to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this program to enhance the educational experience and professional development of PA students in clinical placements.


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    Resources

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    Module 6: Assessment and Feedback for PA Students

    • Module 6: Assessment and Feedback for PA Students

      Get an overview of assessment methods for evaluating PA students' competencies. Learn how to provide constructive feedback that supports the professional development of PA students and ensures fairness and transparency in assessment practices.


      • Overview of assessment methods for PA students​

      • Providing constructive feedback​

      • Ensuring fairness and transparency in assessment practices

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    Learning Objectives

      • Understand different assessment methods used to evaluate PA students' clinical competency during placements.​

      • Demonstrate the ability to provide constructive feedback to PA students to support their learning and professional development.​

      • Ensure fairness, reliability, and validity in the assessment process for PA students on placements.

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    Overview of assessment methods for PA students

      • Assessment is essential for evaluating PA students' progress and competency development during placements. ​

      • Assessment methods may include direct observation of clinical skills, written examinations, case presentations, portfolio assessments, and peer feedback.


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    Providing constructive feedback

      • Feedback should be specific, timely, and constructive, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement. ​

      • Placement providers should offer feedback to PA students regularly, highlighting their achievements and providing guidance on how to enhance their clinical skills and professional practice.


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    Ensuring fairness and transparency in assessment practices

      • Assessment practices should be fair, transparent, and consistent, ensuring that all PA students are evaluated based on predetermined criteria and standards. ​

      • Placement providers should maintain clear documentation of assessment processes and outcomes, providing students with feedback and opportunities for reflection and improvement.​

      • Engaging with the logbooks facilitates this as requirements to demonstrate proficiency are outlined.


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    Module 7: Compliance and Quality Assurance

    • Module 7: Compliance and Quality Assurance

      Ensure compliance with GMC and FPA standards. Understand the processes for monitoring, evaluating, and continuously improving the placement experiences of PA students to maintain high standards of education and practice.


      • Continuous improvement in supporting PA students​

      • Compliance with GMC and FPA standards​

      • Monitoring and evaluation of placement experiences

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    Learning Objectives

      • Understand the importance of compliance with GMC and FPA standards in supporting PA students on placements.​

      • Identify mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the quality of placement experiences for PA students.​

      • Describe strategies for continuous improvement in supporting PA students and maintaining high standards of education and training.

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    Case Study

    • Case Study: "Quality Improvement Project"



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    Continuous improvement in supporting PA students

      • Placement providers should strive for continuous improvement in supporting PA students, incorporating feedback and best practices to enhance placement experiences and promote student learning and development. ​

      • Providers should engage in ongoing evaluation, reflection, and quality improvement efforts to ensure that placements meet the evolving needs of PA education and training.


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    Compliance with GMC and FPA standards

      • Placement providers must comply with GMC and FPA standards for PA education and training, ensuring that placements meet regulatory requirements and uphold professional standards. ​

      • Providers should familiarise themselves with relevant guidelines and policies and implement practices that promote compliance and quality assurance.


      See further reading resources at the end.


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    Monitoring and evaluation of placement experiences

      • Placement experiences should be monitored and evaluated regularly to assess their effectiveness and quality. ​

      • Providers should encourage feedback from PA students, preceptors, and other stakeholders to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for enhancement.