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.
We have completed the actions required following concerns raised by our members regarding patient safety in the October 2023 EGM. These will be reviewed following the outcome of the Leng Review into the physician associate and anaesthesia associate professions.
We now request that departments follow the Interim AA Scope of Practice 2024 when employing AAs, noting the transition timeline. We also ask Clinical Leaders in Anaesthesia to continue the pause in recruitment of new student AAs at least until the Leng review has reported and we have been able to review the recommendations.
