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8.    Communicating with the next of ldn of patients to obtain relevant historical information, signed consents for invasive procedures, or simply to update the families on the progress of their patients. 9.    Recordkeeping and dictation of admission notes, progress notes and discharge summaries also were done by the PAs. All such notes and orders were countersigned by the rounding physician. Feasibility Studies To determine the feasibility of assigning a PA to the medical ICU, not only should they be qualified, but also they should be accepted by hospital personnel, patients and patient families. This was determined by interviewing all the physicians, nurses and technicians interacting with the medical ICU patients as well as numerous patients and their relatives. Responses were uniformly positive. Data Collection Data collection and analysis were performed by individuals not involved in this study or in patient management in the medical ICU. The following two periods of time were reviewed: Period 1, ranging from July 1984 to June 1986, during which house officers were assigned to the unit. Period 2, ranging from July 1986 to June 1988, during which PAs were assigned to the same unit. There was no change in the physical plant, organizational structure and monitoring equipment of the unit during this period.