AAPA took a first step in creating a framework for a research agenda about the PA profession with the launch of a two-day research summit that included a number of partners and stakeholders. Held March 4 and 5 in Alexandria, Va., the AAPA Physician Assistant Research Summit brought together a number of groups: practicing PAs, representatives from the PA academic and regulatory communities, PAs engaged in research, health services researchers, and health economists. Also in attendance were thought-leaders from federal agencies, think tanks and private foundations.
The objectives of the summit included:
• Identifying and reaching consensus on key questions about the PA profession in order to build a framework for a research agenda
• Identifying and reaching consensus on core goals for a research agenda, and
• Identifying and reaching consensus on individual and institutional stakeholders, both within the PA profession and beyond, that have a strong interest in and motivation for advancing and supporting a research agenda for the profession.
The first day of the summit set the stage for discussion on these issues with speakers such as Janet Pagán-Sutton, PhD, senior research scientist at Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., who presented a summary of the current state of PA research and gaps that exist in data.
The summit's keynote speaker Carolyn Clancy, MD, director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, spoke on the importance of funding research, such as comparative effectiveness research, that has practical applications for clinical settings.
Other speakers included Mark McClellan, MD, PhD, director of the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform and Leonard D. Schaeffer Chair in Health Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution, who stressed the need for data that demonstrates how the PA profession keeps costs low while providing quality care.
A five-member panel of various stakeholders presented their ideas for research questions that should be explored by the PA profession.
Attendees divided into five work groups to brainstorm strategic themes: the value of PAs, PA workforce issues, PA data, the role of PAs in a changing health care delivery system, and PA education and training.
After further discussion on day two of the summit, participants offered action steps to be taken by AAPA leadership and AAPA partners. Leadership will begin to more clearly define the PA research agenda and ensure that research remains an AAPA priority, as outlined in the Academy's 2010-2012 Strategic Plan. Partners will be called on to assist in sharing data and resources that will move the PA research agenda forward.
As this discussion on a PA research agenda continues, look for updates on PA Pro NOW and in PA Professional magazine.
UPDATE: For video interviews with Clancy, Pagán-Sutton and others who attended the summit, go to AAPA's You Tube page.
