Physician Associate placements can be daunting - you'll be working in a range of settings and supporting patients with a variety of conditions. There are new colleagues to work with, and newly learned theories to put into practice. This pocket guide is designed to make your placements much more enjoyable and less stressful. From ABCDE assessment to professionalism, it's full of practical detail, hints and tips. Written by two highly experienced Physician Associate educators with key input from students - this guidance is really produced with you in mind. Pocket-sized format - carry it with you at all times. Space to make your own notes - be it new terminology, your learning objectives, or just the names of your new colleagues! Be proactive and make the most of your placements by having this book to hand from the start.
Preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Introduction Getting there 1. Preparing for placement 2. Research your placement 3. Attendance, hours and absence on placement 4. Objectives 5. Pre-reading and practical preparation 6. Pre-placement modules (organisation-specific) 7. Finances 8. Travel 9. Accommodation 10. Equipment 11. Clothing 12. Placement schedule 13. Placement peers 14. Placement contacts 15. Making contact 16. Smart cards / IT access 17. Professionalism 17.1 Being professional on placements - practical steps 18. Knowing the limitations of your role 18.1 Medications prescription, supply and administration 19. Behaviour outside of university 20. Consent - things to remember 21. How does confidentiality apply to my placements? 22. Guidance on using social media 23. Patient-centred care Settling there 24. First day - what to expect 25. Supervision 26. Timetable 27. Introduction to the team 28. Communication and examination 28.1 Communication with patients 28.2 Communication with other healthcare professionals 28.3 Examination of patients Being there 29. PA student role on the team 30. Making the most of opportunities 31. Making your own opportunities 32. Placement-based assessments 33. What to do if things go wrong 34. Regular meetings with supervisor / team 35. Self-care Moving on 36. Reflection on learning 37. Preparation for the next placement 38. Keeping a record 39. Placement feedback Resources 40. Structure for medical clerking / history taking / documentation 41. Presenting a patient 42. Common examinations, tests, investigations, and scoring / risk assessment tools, by system 43. Arterial blood gas interpretation 44. Anaphylaxis guidelines 45. ABCDE approach to the deteriorating patient 46. Apps for quick reference 47. References
