Meeting Abstract

JL531. The Expanding Role of Surgical Physician Assistants in Clinical Oncology Research

Jenilette Velasco, MPAS, PA-C, and Steven H. Wei, MS, MPH, PA-C; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas

ABSTRACT

Abstracts From  JADPRO Live at APSHO 2017
Marriott Marquis, Houston, Texas • November 2–5, 2017

The posters for the abstracts below can be found at:
eventscribe.com/2017/posters/JADPROLIVE/home.asp

Purpose: To present an overview of the integration of surgical oncology advanced practice providers (APP) in clinical oncology research. Background: Recent changes in the surgery workforce have created a need for highly skilled and trained APPs to care for a complex patient population. In addition to various clinical roles, APPs are increasingly being utilized in non-clinical roles, including research. Surgical oncology, and in particular hepatico-pancreas-biliary (HPB), is a specialized discipline where APPs can contribute in a variety of ways to further enhance outcomes research, quality and performance improvement, as well as improve patient education. Furthermore, engaging in research roles beyond clinical care allow for increased collaboration and partnership between physicians and APPs. Involvement in different aspects of clinical research can also help the APP improve upon his or her clinical competencies, and lead to more opportunities in professional development, such as publishing and/or oral presentations. More studies are needed to evaluate the roles and impact of APPs in clinical research in the academic setting.

Description: We describe four specific roles that physician assistants (PA) are engaged in research in the outpatient, inpatient and surgical assist setting as part of a multi-step process in a complex HPB practice: (1) Screening patients for clinical or translational research trials; (2) Patient education and informed consent process; (3) Collection and evaluation of clinical data, including tissue and lab collection or analysis of data for outcomes research; (4) Implementing quality and performance improvement projects and identifying needs for future research. Objectives: (1) Discuss the expanding roles of APPs in the clinical oncology research setting; (2) Describe specific roles that APPs might engage in clinical research in a HPB surgical oncology practice; (3) Discuss potential benefits of APP involvement in oncology research beyond clinical care.

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