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[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Dirichlet Multinomial Model for Autonomy for Physician Assistant

Eugene Schneller, PhD, School of Health Management and Policy, Arizona State University, BA318, W.P. Carey School of Business, Tempe, AZ 85287 and Jeffrey Wilson, PhD, Health Management & Policy, W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, P.o. Box 874506, Tempe, AZ 85287-4506, 480-965-5628, jeffrey.wilson@asu.edu.

This paper scrutinizes the issue of autonomy in the physician assistant occupation where medical work is transferred, on a conditional basis, from physician to PA. Perceptions of the class of 1977 through practice in 2000 were surveyed and modeled using a nested Dirichlet-Multinomial model. The model examined the variation within physician assistants and across time. The model revealed that physician assistants over the course of their career tend to underestimate just how autonomous they will be in their work and that they achieve substantial levels of autonomy.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Data Collection, Public Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Biostatistical Methods in Public Health Research and Practice

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA