A role that crosses traditional boundaries

Area of Science:

• Healthcare workforce development
• Nursing support roles
• Allied health professions

Background:

• The UK faces a persistent shortage of registered nurses.
• New healthcare roles are necessary to manage workforce demands.
• Assistant practitioners can bridge gaps in patient care delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the assistant practitioner role as a solution to nursing shortages.
• To define the scope of practice for assistant practitioners.
• To highlight the patient-centered focus of the assistant practitioner role.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the need for new healthcare support roles.
• Definition of the training and responsibilities of assistant practitioners.
• Examination of the potential impact on existing healthcare professions.

Main Results:

• The assistant practitioner role is a viable option to mitigate nurse shortages.
• This role allows for the delegation of specific duties from nurses and allied health professionals.
• The focus remains on enhancing patient care through dedicated support.

Conclusions:

• The assistant practitioner role offers a strategic approach to managing the UK's nursing deficit.
• This role supports registered nurses and allied health professionals by undertaking defined tasks.
• Patient outcomes are central to the implementation and success of the assistant practitioner model.