The Patient's Experience With Physician Assistant Providers: a Descriptive Survey and Randomized Intervention

Our investigation was a prospective cross-sectional survey evaluating the patient experience to new patients that presented to an outpatient private practice specialized in total joint reconstruction. New patients seeing a PA during their initial visit were randomized to intervention and control groups and all were given a descriptive survey at checkout. Inclusion criteria (1) new patient (2) English speaking (3) appointment with PA. There was no exclusion criteria. Eligible patients were randomized to the intervention group (received biosketch card) or the control group (no card) using random number generator. Patients within the intervention group received a biosketch card during rooming, pre-clinician encounter, and were not informed about involvement. Both groups received standard care that was independent of the study. To blind the outcome measure, the research assistant did not explain the reason for the card upon rooming. The provider PA was not informed which patient received the card. Upon discharge, the patient completed a five-question survey regarding the clinic visit.