This dedicated site hosts information to update the progression of the current Scottish Government Commission with NES regarding Medical Associate Professions (MAPs). It is aimed at healthcare professionals, workforce planners, those interested in a career in healthcare in Scotland, in the field of healthcare education.
Medical Associate Professions (MAPs) Commission
Definition of the roles in scope for this Commission
Medically trained, generalist healthcare professionals, who work alongside doctors and provide medical care as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. Physician associates are dependent practitioners working with a dedicated medical supervisor but are able to work autonomously with appropriate support. (Faculty of Physician Associates)
Anaesthesia Associates are highly trained, skilled practitioners that work within an anaesthetic team under the direction and supervision of a Consultant Anaesthetist. (Royal College of Anaesthetists)
Advanced Critical Care Practitioners are clinical professionals responsible for patients' care during their critical care admission. They are highly experienced and educated practitioners who have developed their skills and theoretical knowledge to a very high standard. They are empowered to make high-level clinical decisions to ensure that patients receive timely, personal, and effective care. (Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine)
Registered non-medical healthcare professionals who have extended the scope of their practice by completing an accredited training programme. They work as members of the surgical team and perform surgical interventions and pre-operative and post-operative care under the supervision of a senior surgeon. (Royal College of Surgeons of England)
Context paper about the Medical Associate Professions (MAPs) Commission
MAP roles support NHS Scotland Boards to deliver flexible and resilient workforce plans. They will contribute to the increased clinical capacity required by the NHS Recovery Plan published in August 2021 by enabling the right workforce in place at the right time. Below are some examples of how these roles are deployed.
Faculty of Physician Associates - quality health care across the NHS (fparcp.co.uk)
Anaesthesia Associates | The Royal College of Anaesthetists (rcoa.ac.uk)
Surgical Care Practitioner — Royal College of Surgeons (rcseng.ac.uk) Faculty of Perioperative Care - Royal College of Surgeons rcsed.ac.uk
Advanced Critical Care Practitioners – https://www.ficm.ac.uk/careersworkforce/accps
Latest News and Updates
Medical Associate Professions – Next Steps for NHS Scotland, 26th March 2024
The event began with informative opening remarks from Professor Graham Ellis, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Scotland. Following this, delegates heard presentations from key strategic partners and subject experts.
Presentations were followed by a carousel of breakout groups where delegates and subject leads had the opportunity to explore specific topics in greater depth.
Slides from the session can be found here Medical Associate Professions - Next Steps for NHS Scotland
Further resources from the event will be added ongoing.
Open now: GMC consultation ‘How we’ll regulate PAs and AAs’
GMC opened Regulating anaesthesia associates and physician associates: consultation on our proposed rules, standards and guidance - GMC (gmc-uk.org) on 26th March. The consultation closes on 20th May 2024. This is the next stage in the journey towards statutory regulation of these roles.
GMC states ‘This consultation asks for your comments on our proposed rules, standards and guidance that set out how we will regulate anaesthesia associates (AAs) and physician associates (PAs).
It also covers draft principles that will inform the content of fitness to practise decision-making guidance that will apply to doctors as well as to AAs and PAs from December 2024.’
Medical Associate Professions (MAPs) commission formal response
The NES Medical Associate Professions commission report submitted to Scottish Government is now available to read.
For ease a shortened version showing the executive summary and recommendations is available.
GMC has collated responses to some frequently asked questions regarding Physician Associate and Anaesthesia Associate roles
More information on PAs and AAs provided by GMC regarding PA and AA
Get in touch
This dedicated news page will share progress of the Scottish Government Commission’s development including opportunities to engage. Please get in touch with us for further information and involvement at: nes.maps@nhs.scot