Physician assistants on the pediatric infectious diseases service

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the needs of the pediatric infectious diseases service at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg and predict the utility of the adding of a physician assistant to their team, which currently consists of rotating medical staff. This study aims to explore the current landscape of the service, their familiarity with physician assistants, and the potential impact a physician assistant could have. Methods: This study consisted of one-on-one face-to-face interviews with all members of the section of the pediatric infectious diseases, as well as physician assistants working in the related fields of infectious diseases and hospitalist pediatrics. Results: The section includes seven physicians, all of which were supportive of the physician assistant role. Areas of improvement that were identified included communication, time management, documentation, and continuity of care, as related to handover, providing timely follow-up on inpatients, ensuring adequate documentation/transition to outpatient clinic, and development of a robust antimicrobial stewardship program. Conclusion: Attending physicians interviewed overwhelmingly supported the notion of a physician assistant joining the team and anticipate they would create continuity on the service during handover, through timely follow-ups, and during the transition from inpatient to outpatient.