Determinants of Collaborative Physician-PA Teams in Ambulatory Care: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundThe physician assistant (PA) workforce has expanded rapidly in the United States, increasing the importance of effective physician-PA collaboration. Although PAs improve patient outcomes and access to care, the determinants of effective collaboration has not been well studied. North Carolina provides a relevant context due to its growing PA workforce and supervisory regulatory structure, in which physicians retain administrative responsibility for PA supervision across practice settings. This study examines determinants of effective physician-PA collaboration in ambulatory care settings in North Carolina. MethodsFour virtual focus groups were conducted with practicing physicians (n=7) and PAs (n=9) across multiple specialties in NC. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify facilitators and barriers to collaboration. ResultsThematic analysis identified six major themes reflecting relational, organizational, and systemic influences on teamwork. Findings demonstrate collaboration evolves over time through early-career mentorship, continuity of working relationships, and progressive trust development. Differences in professional identity, power dynamics, and misunderstanding of PA scope of practice influenced autonomy and delegation. Systemic factors such as reimbursement structures and organizational supervisory policies hindered efficient teamwork. LimitationsFindings are based on a small, purposive sample within a single state and may not be generalizable to all ambulatory settings or regulatory environments. Perspectives may also reflect self-selection bias among participants with strong views on collaboration. ConclusionsEffective physician-PA collaboration depends on intentional onboarding, role clarity, interprofessional education, and alignment of organizational policies with regulatory standards to support team-based care.