Table 2 Themes and categories influencing the decision of GPs and managers to train and employ a PA/NP

Theme I. Reasons to employ a PA/NP

 Substitution of care

 Quality improvement

 New/ additional services

Theme II. Influencing factors

 Organisational factors

 Factors regarding professional relations

 Factors regarding GPs’ workload and job satisfaction

 Experience with the PA/NP profession

 Vision about the PA/NP profession

 Insecurities regarding the PA/NP profession

Theme III. PAs’/NPs’ tasks and responsibilities

 Direct patient care

 Indirect patient care