This section uses the multiple data sets collected during the evaluation to address the evaluation questions. Specifically, this section draws on the interview data, the patient and staff survey to identify how PAs have integrated with practice activities and service models. There was some substantial variation in the level of preparedness of host organisations for the PAs arrival. For example, the two Tokoroa PAs arrived without local representatives of either the practice or host organisation being aware that they were in New Zealand, and no accommodation was ready. In contrast, all of the other settings had accommodation and transport organised for the arrival of the PAs. In Gore, all relevant staff were informed of what the PA role was, and how the role would fit into the medical community. They put an article in the local paper welcoming the PA to the town and explaining what the role was. An orientation for the PAs was facilitated by Gore Health and supported by Health Workforce New Zealand. The orientation introduced the PAs to the New Zealand medical system, including ACC and WINZ. However, not all of the PAs arrived in time to access to this more formal orientation process. A more consistent approach to orientation at each site would have supported the integration of all of the PAs. Following the orientation, HWNZ also supported regular face-to-face opportunities for training and support for the PAs. These meetings provided a highly valued opportunity for the PAs to connect with and support one another. In terms of training needs however, some of the PAs would have liked more opportunities to attend professional development opportunities targeted at doctors and nurses. Two of the PAs felt that this would have also supported their integration and connection with the wider sector. During the first set of site visits, most of the PAs felt relatively settled. They felt that they were fitting into their new communities and making friends. In the second set of site visits in September 2014, three of the PAs were planning to return to the United States. One PA was unsure if they would stay, and three were committed to remaining in New Zealand. Suggestions from PAs for future settlement processes (if required) were:
This section uses the multiple data sets collected during the evaluation to address the evaluation questions. Specifically, this section draws on the interview data, the patient and staff survey to identify how PAs have integrated with practice activities and service models. There was some substantial variation in the level of preparedness of host organisations for the PAs arrival. For example, the two Tokoroa PAs arrived without local representatives of either the practice or host organisation being aware that they were in New Zealand, and no accommodation was ready. In contrast, all of the other settings had accommodation and transport organised for the arrival of the PAs. In Gore, all relevant staff were informed of what the PA role was, and how the role would fit into the medical community. They put an article in the local paper welcoming the PA to the town and explaining what the role was. An orientation for the PAs was facilitated by Gore Health and supported by Health Workforce New Zealand. The orientation introduced the PAs to the New Zealand medical system, including ACC and WINZ. However, not all of the PAs arrived in time to access to this more formal orientation process. A more consistent approach to orientation at each site would have supported the integration of all of the PAs. Following the orientation, HWNZ also supported regular face-to-face opportunities for training and support for the PAs. These meetings provided a highly valued opportunity for the PAs to connect with and support one another. In terms of training needs however, some of the PAs would have liked more opportunities to attend professional development opportunities targeted at doctors and nurses. Two of the PAs felt that this would have also supported their integration and connection with the wider sector. During the first set of site visits, most of the PAs felt relatively settled. They felt that they were fitting into their new communities and making friends. In the second set of site visits in September 2014, three of the PAs were planning to return to the United States. One PA was unsure if they would stay, and three were committed to remaining in New Zealand. Suggestions from PAs for future settlement processes (if required) were:
phase-ii-physician-assistant-demonstrations-evaluation-report-jul15.docx