Date of Defense
8-11-2016
Date of Graduation
8-2016
Department
Physician Assistant
First Advisor
Doris Ravotas
Second Advisor
Joe Fernandez
Abstract
Surgical errors existed long before physician assistants (PA) starting joining surgical teams. However, the addition of PAs to surgical teams added a team member with a medical perspective that was different from everyone else’s. PAs are able to follow surgical patients through all the steps of the surgical process. This allows them to have a deeper knowledge of the patient’s case, putting them in a position to promote a culture of safety and reduce the risk of surgical errors. This study generates an idea of how the PA plays a role in lowering the risk of surgical errors by promoting a culture of safety. Their role was examined through research and interviews to determine what PAs do to promote patient safety. The results show PAs play an important role in the continuity of care and patient safety. Their position on the surgical team allows them to see patients before, during, and after care. This prolonged time spent with the patient gives the PA an opportunity to recognize possible complications and increase communication with the surgical team.
Recommended Citation
Adler, Courtney, "The Role of Physician's Assistants on Limiting the Risk of Surgical Errors" (2016). Honors Theses. 2751.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/2751
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Thesis Presentation