Correlation between surgical booking by a PA and surgical procedure performed

• Published in: JAAPA (Montvale, N.J.) Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 37 - 41
• Main Authors: Gandhi, Deep A, Colón-Sanchez, Kaity, Ellsworth, Pamela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.03.2024
• ISSN: 1547-1896; 0893-7400
• DOI: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000997704.21391.cc

This study evaluated the concordance between clinical evaluation and diagnosis by a physician associate/assistant (PA) and the preoperative and intraoperative evaluations by a pediatric urologic surgeon. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients independently evaluated and scheduled for surgery by a single PA between 2017 and 2020. Concordance was measured by comparing the PA's office note with the surgeon's preoperative note and operative report. Of the 242 patients scheduled for surgery, 11 underwent an operative report procedure change and 11 others underwent a preoperative note procedure change. Concordance increased from 89.09% in 2017 to 92.31% in 2020 but was not statistically significant ( P = .230). Urologic conditions evaluated demonstrated an increase in the variety and complexity of conditions. A supervisory/collaborative model involving a well-trained PA yields excellent outcomes in terms of concordance with surgical scheduling and procedure performed.