This NHS England initiative is designed to support Physician Associates/Assistants (PA) working in Primary Care, providing they have prior secondary care experience and/or meet the other set criteria following publication of the leng review.
The aims include:
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recognising that PAs new to Primary Care need time and support to develop within the multidisciplinary clinical team,
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providing employers with financial assistance to support PAs in Primary Care
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maximising the benefit of the PAs role within primary care.
Following substantive appointment of a PA in primary care, the employer will enable the PA to join the NHS England PA training programme. This will require the practice to release the individual from clinical duties each week for educational activities, part of which will be accomplished by the PA attending the NHS England PA 30-week structured teaching programme that will run on Thursday mornings. In addition, the employer should ensure the provision of structured supervision time within the practice.
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- PAs can become essential and skilled members of the clinical team, however PAs new to Primary Care may need time to develop their skills, experience, knowledge and confidence with support and supervision in the workplace.
- Employers who are not familiar with PAs need clear guidance to help them to form realistic expectations of the role to enable them to support PAs.
- To support organisations to develop the role of the PA for a twelve-month period. (Many would benefit from a second year of support and supervision, however funding for this is not currently available through NHS England).
Primary care organisations employing PAs who have secondary care experience:
- who are new to working in Primary Care Networks (PCNs) (working across two sites only),
- who are new to working in GP practices,
- Existing PAs moving from secondary care to work in PCNs,
- Existing PAs moving from secondary care to work in GP practices,
- PAs working in rotational posts across primary and secondary settings
For the PA:
- A 30-week structured programme over 12 months (that will run on Thursday mornings),
- Release to attend education sessions delivered by the NHS England approved training programme,
- Funding for study leave,
- Access to additional educational resources and a e-portfolio platform
- A named clinical supervisor and mentor.
For the employer:
- £5253 payment for one year to recognise the support and time required to develop the newly qualified PA. £500 of which is to be used for continuous professional development for the individual
The Primary Care School is highly experienced at delivery teaching programmes across the East of England region. The delivery model enables:
- The provision and delivery of high-quality teaching,
- The development of a range of teaching materials which are accessible to all,
- The development of communities of practice which facilitate self-directed learning opportunities.
Critically, a centrally delivered methodology means that we can progress this programme at scale and pace, benefiting from economies of scale in the provision of courses and teaching materials.
This offer is designed to recognise that employers need to provide significant support to PAs.
- Significant support and supervision to consolidate the PA knowledge and skills.
- Debrief after each session,
- Access to the centrally delivered teaching programme,
- Study leave budget should be provided for CPD courses that support the first year development of skills of up to £500
- A named supervisor to support the PA, clinically and educationally .
The employing organisations obligations have been summarised in a Learning Agreement which they will be required to sign on the commencement of the programme.
If you wish to apply for Cohort 6 of the programme, please click the link below for the application form.
For access to resources or further information please contact england.primarycare.eoe@nhs.net.
Please see the following testimonials from some of the Physician Assistants in Cohort 1:
What have you enjoyed most during your training?
"the regular variety in sessions that were relevant in primary care"
"Very organised sessions throughout"
"Really enjoyed the course and meeting other PAs and creating a network of individuals in the same position.Each topic was relevant and taught by specialists. Very engaging and the information was very useful and used in everyday practice"
"I personally feel this training should be continued. It will allow new PAs to develop especially in their new role. PAs are here to stay so it is important there is some sort of post graduate training."
"Brilliant way to consolidate learning"