Key result
Analysis of surveys from 2009 to 2015 found that 85% of physician assistants working in orthopedics reported regularly assisting in surgery.
Cross-Sectional
PAs play a significant role in orthopedic surgery, with 85% regularly assisting in surgery, highlighting their importance in addressing workforce demands.
May guide orthopedic PA staffing models; leaves open needs for standardized training and outcome data.
Physician assistants (PAs) have worked alongside surgeons since the 1970s, yet little is known about their postgraduate education, roles, distribution, and compensation. In 2015, an estimated 8,900 PAs were employed in orthopedics (9.4% of all clinically active PAs in the United States). This study analyzed surveys undertaken by Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS) from 2009 to 2015 and found that most PAs working in orthopedics (85%) reported regularly assisting in surgery. Demand for PAs in orthopedics is expected to grow because of population growth, increasing incidence of musculoskeletal conditions, shortages of surgeons, and changing technology. Improved data acquisition and more detailed analyses are needed to better understand the nature of this specialized workforce.
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Chalupa et al. (2016) conducted a cross-sectional in Orthopedic surgery. Physician assistants in orthopedic surgery was evaluated on Regularly assisting in surgery. Analysis of surveys from 2009 to 2015 found that 85% of physician assistants working in orthopedics reported regularly assisting in surgery.
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