Patient Experience With Primary Care Physician Assistants in Ontario, Canada: Impact of Trust, Knowledge, and Access to Care

Abstract

Physician assistants (PAs) have been integrated into primary care settings to reduce wait times and to optimize continuity of care. Though previous studies suggest that PA utilization leads to improved healthcare access, few studies have investigated patient experience with primary care PAs in Canada. The objective of this study is to explore patient perspectives on primary care PAs in Ontario. A patient survey was developed and distributed to patients seen by PAs in 4 family medicine practices across Ontario, Canada. Results demonstrate that many patients are highly satisfied with their experience including the PA's ability to address their medical needs, establish rapport, and provide fast access to care (including same-day and after-hours appointments). Despite preferring to see a physician for more complex concerns, participants felt that PAs demonstrate similar medical knowledge, competencies, and scope of practice as family physicians. Patients demonstrated a solid understanding of the PA role and recognized the collaborative PA–physician relationship. These findings describe successful patient awareness and acceptance of the PA profession, largely due to positive PA–patient interactions in family medicine settings.