A top health academic is calling on the Federal Government to remove barriers to Physician Assistants entering the health system, as the first James Cook University students graduate from the course.
Dr Stephen Duckett, Health Program Director at the Grattan Institute, gave the Occasional Address at the James Cook University graduation ceremony, where four JCU students graduated as Physician Assistants from the only such program in Australia.
Queensland now allows physician assistants to refer to medical specialists or order diagnostic tests within the Queensland public health system.
But Dr Duckett believes the full potential of these changes will only be reached if the Commonwealth recognises physician assistant prescriptions, tests and referrals under the Pharmaceutical Benefits (PBS) and Medicare Benefits Schemes (MBS).Without Commonwealth recognition patients outside hospitals will have to pay more for medication prescribed by a physician assistant.
Dr Duckett has endorsed the model as a key way to expand access to care, particularly in underserved rural and remote areas.
Professor Richard Murray, Dean of Medicine and Dentistry, said the introduction of Physician Assistants to Australia offered a paradigm shift in the country’s healthcare system.
"Having Physician Assistants working with and under the supervision of a medical professional is one of the ways that we will make Australia’s health system more efficient, affordable and easier to navigate for patients and health professionals," Professor Murray said.
"Along with expanded roles for nurses, pharmacists and allied health practitioners, the Physician Assistant model is part of a future of healthcare that is team-based and patient and community-centred."
"PAs are part of the medical team in the United States and have also been established in countries as diverse as South Africa and the Netherlands," he said.
"As a model of flexible, delegated extension of medical care, PAs will help to address some of the issues we see in our own health system – such as the maldistribution of health professionals and overworked rural doctors."
"I congratulate these graduates on their bold decision to be part of this addition to the Australian health system and I know that they will give the highest quality care to their patients,"said Professor Murray.
Contact:
Professor Richard Murray
P: (07) 4781 5025
E: Richard.murray@jcu.edu.au
Link to Dr Stephen Duckett's address on the Grattan Institute website:http://grattan.edu.au/events/graduation-address-james-cook-university/