A Case Study Exploring Perceptions About Diversity in Higher Education Related to a Dutch Physician Assistant Program
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Cited by 2 publications
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The benefits and limitations of establishing the PA profession globally
Objective: Physician associates/assistants (PAs) and their equivalents offer a solution to the supply and demand crisis to alleviate global healthcare needs. This study investigated how PA and PA equivalents address global healthcare needs across different healthcare systems, revealing recommendations for their use. The study also sought to catalog the global healthcare needs that PAs and equivalents are successfully alleviating, the roles in which they function, and the barriers facing implementation. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from October 2021 to April 2022 and rerun in June 2023 following PRISMA 2020 guidelines; additionally, supporting interviews were conducted with PAs and global health experts. Primary outcomes were geographic region, economy, healthcare needs, and healthcare systems. Secondary outcomes were PA use, license recognition, and successes or barriers when implementing PAs. Results: The literature and interviews focused on the global use of PAs and PA equivalents in six geographic regions, 63 countries, and five US territories where PAs or PA equivalents are employed, have been employed, are volunteering, or are being considered to support global healthcare needs. Most countries have a developing economy and an out-of-pocket healthcare system. PAs and PA equivalents hold 35 different practice titles, and most work in primary care. PAs alleviate healthcare shortages and economic disparities, specifically related to inequitable healthcare access. Globally, the profession is limited by a lack of legislation, regulation, and support. Conclusions: PAs and PA equivalents worldwide belong to an adaptable profession that has well-documented success in alleviating the global healthcare shortage and addressing healthcare needs. Countries desiring PAs or PA equivalents should identify their specific needs, train their existing workforce, employ pilot programs, and focus on seeking early legislation and regulation. Broad support for existing PA and PA equivalent international organizations is recommended for global collaboration. This study serves as a guide for those advocating for the continued or future implementation of PAs and PA equivalents in their own country and provides a comprehensive resource to aid in the globalization of this profession. We offer recommendations to address the dire healthcare needs and workforce shortage faced across the globe.
The benefits and limitations of establishing the PA profession globally
Objective: Physician associates/assistants (PAs) and their equivalents offer a solution to the supply and demand crisis to alleviate global healthcare needs. This study investigated how PA and PA equivalents address global healthcare needs across different healthcare systems, revealing recommendations for their use. The study also sought to catalog the global healthcare needs that PAs and equivalents are successfully alleviating, the roles in which they function, and the barriers facing implementation. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from October 2021 to April 2022 and rerun in June 2023 following PRISMA 2020 guidelines; additionally, supporting interviews were conducted with PAs and global health experts. Primary outcomes were geographic region, economy, healthcare needs, and healthcare systems. Secondary outcomes were PA use, license recognition, and successes or barriers when implementing PAs. Results: The literature and interviews focused on the global use of PAs and PA equivalents in six geographic regions, 63 countries, and five US territories where PAs or PA equivalents are employed, have been employed, are volunteering, or are being considered to support global healthcare needs. Most countries have a developing economy and an out-of-pocket healthcare system. PAs and PA equivalents hold 35 different practice titles, and most work in primary care. PAs alleviate healthcare shortages and economic disparities, specifically related to inequitable healthcare access. Globally, the profession is limited by a lack of legislation, regulation, and support. Conclusions: PAs and PA equivalents worldwide belong to an adaptable profession that has well-documented success in alleviating the global healthcare shortage and addressing healthcare needs. Countries desiring PAs or PA equivalents should identify their specific needs, train their existing workforce, employ pilot programs, and focus on seeking early legislation and regulation. Broad support for existing PA and PA equivalent international organizations is recommended for global collaboration. This study serves as a guide for those advocating for the continued or future implementation of PAs and PA equivalents in their own country and provides a comprehensive resource to aid in the globalization of this profession. We offer recommendations to address the dire healthcare needs and workforce shortage faced across the globe.
Background Current cultural competence training needs were assessed as baseline measurement in Dutch physician assistant (PA) students and PA alumni that were not specifically trained in cultural competence. In particular, differences in cultural competency between PA students and PA alumni were assessed. Methods In this cross-sectional, observational cohort study knowledge, attitude, and skills and self-perceived overall cultural competence were assessed in Dutch PA students and alumni. Demographics, education and learning needs were collected. Total cultural competence domain scores as well as percentage of maximum scores were calculated. Results A total of 40 PA students and 96 alumni (female:75%; Dutch origin:97%) consented to participate. Cultural competence behavior was moderate in both groups. In contrast, general knowledge and exploration of patients’ social context were insufficient, i.e., 53% and 34%, respectively. Self-perceived cultural competence was significantly higher in PA alumni (6.5 ± 1.3, mean ± SD) than in students (6.0 ± 1.3; P < 0.05). Low heterogeneity among PA students and educator exists. Seventy percent of the respondents considers cultural competence important and the majority expressed a need for cultural competence training. Conclusions Dutch PA students and alumni have moderate overall cultural competence, but insufficient knowledge and exploring social context. Based on these outcomes the curriculum of the master of science program for physician assistant will be adapted.Emphasis should be made to increase the diversity of PA students to stimulate cross-cultural learning and developing a diverse PA workforce.
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