FPIN Could Benefit From Increasing APP Engagement

I want to congratulate the authors of “Perceived Value of Family Physicians Inquiries Network Membership: A Qualitative Study”¹ for studying their members’ perceptions to improve their services. Studying their strengths and limitations will allow the organization to adapt and improve outcomes for members and the patients we serve. Compared to other specialties, family medicine has received less funding for producing scholarly work.² This funding disparity is unfortunate, given the broad scope of family medicine practice. While family medicine may not have as much funding for scholarship as other specialties, it is clear that the Family Physicians Inquiries Network (FPIN) is helping bridge the gap.

As a physician assistant (PA) teaching in a family medicine department, I need the best information available at my fingertips to provide high-quality patient care and teach medical students. We, as PAs, know that creating science will help us serve our patients better. In the busy world of family medicine, it is paramount that providers stay up-to-date on the latest recommendations for patient care. FPIN provides a framework for providers to engage with the academic literature and serves as a hub for synthesizing information to improve patient outcomes. The qualitative analysis of survey data from the 5 years studied will surely enhance FPIN’s relevance within the family medicine space. However, the authors could consider separating the survey responses of advanced practice providers (APPs) rather than grouping them with the rest. FPIN would have an even greater impact in family medicine by increasing engagement with APPs, possibly offering membership to PA family medicine residency programs.

In addition, FPIN could benefit from surveying those who have allowed their membership to lapse to better understand its limitations. I look forward to witnessing the impact of FPIN as it becomes more prominent among APPs.