Understanding the role of physician assistants in oncology.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To understand the deployment of physician assistants (PAs) in oncology. A recent analysis of the oncology workforce in the United States commissioned by ASCO predicted a significant shortage of providers by 2020.

Methods

A descriptive study was undertaken using a Web-based questionnaire survey. Invited participants, including all PAs listed in the national PA database (n = 855) and all PAs at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX; n = 159), were mailed letters directing them to the Web-based survey.

Results

The study produced a 30% response rate. A total of 186 PAs worked in medical oncology (the population of interest). Of the respondents, 80% were women, mean age was 36 years, average time employed as a PA was 9.5 years (6.5 years

SUBMITTER: Ross AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2805341 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature