Forging a new identity: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of UK-based physician associate students.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore student physician associates' (PAs) experiences of clinical training to ascertain the process of their occupational identity formation.

Setting

The role of the PA is relatively new within the UK. There has been a rapid expansion in training places driven by National Health Service (NHS) workforce shortages, with the Department of Health recently announcing plans for the General Medical Council to statutorily regulate PAs. Given such recent changes and the relative newness of their role, PAs are currently establishing their occupational identity. Within adjacent fields, robust identity development improves well-being and career success. Thus, there are implications for recruitment, retention and workplace performance. This qualitative study analyses the v

SUBMITTER: Brown MEL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7044953 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature