Study finds more public acceptance for expanded PA, NP roles

Members of the public are open to physician assistants and nurse practitioners playing a greater role in healthcare delivery, according to a recent Health Affairs study. Researchers analyzing the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Consumer Survey data for December 2011 to January 2012 found that 22.8% of respondents opted for a physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP), while 25.9% had no preference.

When presented with scenarios in which patients could see a PA or an NP sooner than a physician, most opted to see a nonphysician provider sooner rather than a physician later.

Source: Fierce HealthCare