Worthy Assistants: Does Substituting Hospital Ward Care From Medical Residents to Physician Assistants Result in Cost Savings?
Worthy Assistants: Does Substituting Hospital Ward Care From Medical Residents to Physician Assistants Result in Cost Savings?
Reallocation of healthcare is one solution to the problems healthcare is facing. In the Netherlands reallocation of care to Physician Assistants (PAs) hasn't adequately been studied. Given the growing number of PAs, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of (Dutch) PA services.
This multicenter matched-controlled study aims to evaluate the (cost) effectiveness of substitution of hospital ward care from medical doctors (MDs) to PAs. The traditional model in which the role of house officer is taken by medical doctors MD model) will be compared with a mixed model in which a PA functions as house officer together with a medical doctor (PA/MD model). Hospital wards will be matched on medical specialism and hospital type (i.e. academic;non-academic). On the basis of USA studies, it is hypothesized that the mixed PA/MD model compared to the MD model reduces the costs of healthcare, while improving or maintaining the clinical outcomes, patients and provider satisfaction, and continuity and quality of care.
Primary research question:
• What is the effect of 'mixed PA/MD model' compared with 'MD model' on efficiency of care?
Secondary research questions:
Inclusion criteria:
• Wards using a mixed PA/physician model (with PA ward coverage of at least 50% of the available ward hours per week, during dayshifts on weekdays) or a physician model (daily coverage by a (specialized medical doctor)
Exclusion criteria on ward level:
Exclusion criteria on patient level:
Dirksland, Zeeland, Netherlands