Perceptions of physician assistants in the U.S. Coast Guard on delivering healthcare services: A phenomenological study

This current phenomenological qualitative study explored the practices of U.S. Coast Guard physicians and physician assistants as authentic and steward leaders evaluating the clinical practice barriers. Following the data analysis process, six major themes emerged: demonstrating dignity, adhering to personal core values, executing the USCG mission, concentrating on the practice, promoting empowerment, and deploying cost effective measures. The results of the study lead to recommending the creation of a USCG Health Services Corps whereby physicians increase empowerment initiatives, expand cost saving measures, and increase the percentage of minority and female physicians and physician assistants. The focus on authentic leadership and stewardship proved beneficial to gain a greater understanding and development of an operational model given the limited existing literature.