Four in five doctors say APs pose a risk to patient safety, BMA survey shows

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By Daniel Pye

More than 80% of doctors believe the way advanced practitioners are used in the NHS is a risk to patient safety, according to a large survey.

More than 5,000 doctors responded to a British Medical Association investigation which revealed widespread fears over how employers use advanced practitioners (APs), who usually come from nursing, paramedic and pharmacist backgrounds.

Seven in 10 (71%) doctors said APs are occasionally or frequently doing work only doctors should do, while 75% say they are occasionally or frequently concerned APs are working beyond their competence.

A further 72% say APs occasionally or frequently make independent treatment decisions that should only be made by a doctor.

The BMA is now calling for all four UK governments to review AP scopes of practice, and adopt national standards for the roles.

It is also calling for improved statutory regulation of the advanced practice role, including through the introduction of revalidation.