1.4.2 Mapping the introduction of assistant practioner roles supporting the work of ward-based registered nurses in Acute NHS (Hospital) Trusts in England (383)

Karen Spilsbury, Research Fellow, Health Sciences (Research), University of York, York, United Kingdom Co authors: Lucy Stuttard, Joy Adamson, Gunilla Borglin, Karl Atkin, Roy Carr-Hill, Dorothy McCaughan, Hugh McKenna, Ann Wakefield & Michael West

Abstract:

Background:

Over the last decade, the numbers of health care support workers (HCSW) in England has significantly increased (Buchan and Seccombe 2006). An important nurse support worker role development is Assistant Practitioner (AP). To date, there are no national evaluations of this role. As part of a national study evaluating development and impact of AP roles (2007-2009), this sub-study explores the introduction of the role in Acute NHS (Hospital) Trusts in England.

Aims:

To describe (current or planned): introduction of the AP role
Distribution of the role across strategic health authorities (SHAs)
Clinical areas utilising the role

Methods:

In April 2007, a national census was carried out through email distribution of a survey to all Directors of Nursing (n=167). A reminder was sent to non-responders at 4 weeks. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed for thematic content.

Results:

Eighty-six per cent (143/167) of acute NHS (Hospital) Trusts responded. All ten SHAs were well represented. The role has been introduced in 46% of Trusts (n=66), with further Trusts planning to implement the role before 2009 (22%; n=31). However, there is wide variation in distribution of the role across SHAs and numbers employed within Trusts and clinical areas. There is also resistance to the role in some Trusts (32%; n=45). Qualitative data provide useful insights for better understanding the introduction (or not) of the AP role in Trusts.

Discussion:

There are wide ranging policy and practice debates about the roles and responsibilities of HCSWs. The RCN have recently recommended the regulation of AP roles in nursing and mapping the current and predicted numbers in the nursing workforce (RCN 2007). The study findings directly inform policy and practice and contribute to the evidence-base on HCSW roles.

Biography:

Karen Spilsbury is a Research Fellow in the Department of Health Sciences, University of York. Karen is a nurse by background, graduating in 1993, and gaining clinical experience in neurorehabilitation and general medicine. Her portfolio of research includes evaluations of nursing and healthcare roles (nurse-led care, specialist nurses and health care support workers), nursing skill mix in care homes, patient and carer experiences of care, and systematic reviews of the effectiveness of interventions for informal carers.