PA experiences in clinical trials.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Physician associate/assistant (PA) experience in clinical trials is poorly documented in medical literature. This survey aimed to describe the characteristics and experiences of PAs in clinical trial research. METHODS: We performed descriptive analyses of data gathered in 2022 by the American Academy of Physician Associates and published in the organization's annual Salary Report, specifically of respondents who indicated experience in traditional and/or decentralized clinical trials. RESULTS: About 73% of PAs eligible for the clinical trials survey indicated they were either involved in clinical trials or had been involved in the past and were interested in working in clinical trials in the future. PAs often serve in subinvestigator roles and perform various clinical trial tasks regardless of previous research experience. CONCLUSIONS: PAs working in clinical trials demonstrated broad responsibilities and skills in the research setting. They leveraged benefits to working in clinical trials despite institutional barriers. Clinical research may fit into numerous PAs' practices and let them contribute to medical advancements.