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)
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.
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 (ACCPs) were initially included in the Scottish Government MAPs Commission, however following agreement by Health Education England (now NHS England Workforce, Training & Education (NHSE WTE) and Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM), ACCPs now align with the Centre for Advancing Practice HEE and FICM joint statement. Information on ACCP careers
Latest News and Updates
Resources for employers and Physician and Anaesthesia Associates - GMC Ethical hub
GMC publishes resources exploring how to apply professional standards in practice. These resources will help PA, AA and their employers or supervisors to address important ethical issues and incorporate good practice into work within professional competence.
Find out more Ethical hub - GMC
Physician Associate Teaching Fellows at University of Aberdeen
Read about the introduction of PA Teaching Fellows and the added value of this role in clinical skills teaching: Link to Sway
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.
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
