BMA publishes new report on MAPs

The BMA, trade union and professional association for doctors and medical students across the UK, has released a report that covers covers the increasing presence of MAPs (medical associate professions) in the NHS, their regulation, prescribing rights and the BMA’s view on the these developments.

FPA President, Kate Straughton, has provided comment on the report:

“We welcome the evolving position of the BMA on Physician Associates (PAs) and other the Medical Associate Professions. From the start we’ve been clear that the PAs role is a complementary one, and there to support existing teams. Our view remains that the PA role should not be used as a substitute for any other clinical role.

PAs are one of the fastest-growing professions in the NHS nearly doubling in size in the last 18 months. When a profession grows so fast it is natural that there may be growing pains, but the PA role also provides the NHS with the ability to try new approaches and consider how care is delivered locally.

PAs have a lot to offer the NHS and wider health system, and the profession continues to evolve. In the next 12 – 18 months we will be working with stakeholders to produce clearer career pathway for PAs which should help clarify roles and create progression routes for PAs across primary, secondary and community care. 

We know that the introduction of PAs in new setting requires strong clinical leadership with consultants and GP’s taking on a real leadership role to ensure the successful integration of PAs into teams. We appreciate that colleagues have taken the time to contribute to the BMA report with both positive and negative experiences, and feel it shows that the PA role is of value when this leadership and appropriate integration is in place.”

You can view the full report here.