Curran Shaun P, Boyette Mary, Callison-Burch Alexa, Hagloch Joseph, Walsh Ryan, Van Tassell Catherine, Valentin Virginia L
Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, USA.
Psychiatry, University Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, USA.
Cureus. 2020 Dec 4;12(12):e11900. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11900.
Objective There is a national shortage of psychiatric care providers, with approximately 1% of physician assistants (PAs) working in psychiatry. The study aimed to understand the utilization of PAs in inpatient psychiatry. Methods A qualitative study was performed utilizing semi-structured interviews focusing on PA autonomy, reimbursement, specialized certifications, training structure, and overall satisfaction with PAs in inpatient psychiatric care. Results Of the nine locations interviewed, four are currently using PAs, and five have never utilized PAs. All facilities utilizing PAs reported a decrease in physician workload with varying structures for training and billing, and required specialized certifications. Conclusion Most facilities surveyed do not utilize PAs and either preferred physicians or were unaware of the qualifications of PAs. Of the facilities utilizing PAs, there is wide variation in their utilization and reimbursement models; however, they reported a high level of satisfaction, reinforcing that PAs can provide high-quality care in inpatient psychiatric settings.
全国精神科护理提供者短缺，从事精神病学工作的医师助理（PA）约占1%。本研究旨在了解住院精神科中PA的使用情况。方法：进行了一项定性研究，采用半结构化访谈，重点关注PA的自主权、报销、专业认证、培训结构以及对住院精神科护理中PA的总体满意度。结果：在接受访谈的九个地点中，四个目前正在使用PA，五个从未使用过PA。所有使用PA的机构都报告称，医师工作量有所减少，培训和计费结构各不相同，且需要专业认证。结论：大多数接受调查的机构不使用PA，要么更喜欢医生，要么不知道PA的资质。在使用PA的机构中，其使用和报销模式差异很大；然而，他们报告了很高的满意度，这强化了PA可以在住院精神科环境中提供高质量护理的观点。
