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.
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)
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
Liam Allan, PA and Clinical Educator in Respiratory Medicine, NHS Highland is proud to welcome and mentor four Intern Physician Associates as they embark on their career with the NHS. The interns will be supported with a comprehensive newly qualified training package. This is an exciting development for NHS Highland, harnessing an opportunity for workforce diversification.
Register now for the opportunity to hear speakers share their experience and knowledge of how AA can support the anaesthesia workforce
A new scheme to support students with the cost of their national exam is launched
Faculty of Physician Associates - pre-payment scheme to help students
Celebrating success with immediate past President Kate Straughton
Faculty of Physician Associates - first PA awarded Honorary Fellowship of RCP
As part of the new regulatory framework, GMC plans to introduce a new pre-registration assessment for AAs from 2025.
NES encourages colleagues in Scotland from all Boards to get involved and share views by completing the consultation questionnaire Have your say on the AA registration assessment content map - GMC (gmc-uk.org) which is open until 20th January 2023.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists shares a range of valuable resources regarding PA in Mental Health services.
Physician Associates | Royal College of Psychiatrists (rcpsych.ac.uk)
Employing Physician Associates (rcpsych.ac.uk)
physician-associates-working-in-mental-health.pdf (rcpsych.ac.uk)
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