Physician Associates in Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Insights From a National Needs Assessment

Objectives As the number of physician associates (PAs) in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM), understanding their professional needs is vital. This exploratory study ( n = 49) aimed to identify factors to inform strategic initiatives for the Physician Associates in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (PAHPM) organization. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study utilized a 17-question survey distributed in December 2024 to PAs via PAHPM and social media. Data included demographics, training, and open-ended questions regarding professional obstacles. Qualitative data were analyzed via thematic analysis. Results Respondents were primarily female (89.8%) and hospital-based (57.1%), with 73.5% less than or equal to 10 years of experience in the specialty. While 55.1% had specialized training, only 16.3% were specialty certified. Qualitative analysis identified five challenges: regulatory and policy hurdles, workforce disparities compared to other APPs, misconceptions about the PA role, education gaps, and emotional strain. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest a need for targeted organizational support in advocacy, particularly regarding legislative efforts for hospice inclusive, and professional development to bridge the certification gap.