Anaesthesia associates
Anaesthesia associates
Anaesthesia associates (AAs), formerly known as physician assistants (anaesthesia), were introduced in 2004 and the role is now established within many NHS hospitals, where they work within the anaesthetic team under the supervision of a consultant anaesthetist or other autonomously practising anaesthetists.
The College’s role in relation to anaesthesia associates (AAs) is to provide leadership and guidance on their education, training and professional development.
Our work in relation to AAs is evolving, as is the wider debate about the role of Medical Associate Professions (MAPs). As a result, while we have sought to ensure that all the information and guidance on these pages is up to date, it may be subject to change.
In particular, please note that in response to concerns about patient safety expressed by members, including at an Extraordinary General Meeting in October 2023, the College has recently taken a number of actions, including to:
- Reaffirm our guidance that training for anaesthetists in training should be prioritised.
- Request that clinical leaders pause recruitment of new, student AAs while the College undertakes further work to look at the impact of the AA role. This will consist of analysis of the results of our member survey, an independent academic literature review and evidence gathering and consultation.
- Request that clinical leaders pause the development of enhanced roles for AAs until regulation is in place and a scope of practice beyond qualification has been developed. Regulation is due to begin in December 2024 and we are currently developing a comprehensive scope of practice for enhanced roles – in consultation with stakeholders – to take effect when statutory regulation of AAs is in place.
We continue to work on updating the Guidelines for Anaesthetic Services (GPAS) in line with the positions noted above. This includes updating the GPAS references in the relevant standard within the Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation Scheme (ACSA).
