JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
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Pertussis, commonly referred to as whooping cough, is one of the top 10 causes of death in children globally despite vaccine availability. Adhering to vaccination guidelines for both the primary childhood series as well as adolescent and adult boosters is crucial in preventing the spread of disease. However, due to vaccine failure, outbreaks occur every 3 to 5 years. As a result, early recognition and prompt treatment are instrumental in controlling the epidemic.
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Australia has a shortage of doctors in general and more so in Aboriginal communities. The 2011-2012 report by Health Workforce Australia endorses the relevance of physician assistants (PAs) in rural Australia, and this article describes the experience of a PA employed in rural Aboriginal Health Services in North Queensland. The author also shares recommendations and insights for expanded implementation of PAs.