The role and resources required for the introduction of generic ward assistants using GRASP systems workload methodology: a quantitative study

Non-nursing workers have been advocated as a means of ameliorating high nursing utilizations, whether the cause be budgetary or the inability to recruit trained staff. The creation of a generic worker who would undertake domestic, catering and non-nursing activities has been seen as a way of improving the ward environment and releasing trained staff and health care assistants from non-nursing activities, GRASP systems workload methodology was used to develop a job description and a tool to quantify the resources needed to introduce such workers. A quantitative research study and activity analysis was carried out on two sample wards to validate the tool. The results were validated by a 'within study' audit process comparative analysis and an activity qualitative analysis using a Likert attitudinal scale. Empirical analysis of the study's findings and the financial consequences were predicted across the Trust.