Embedding the assistant practitioner role within the clinical department: A qualitative study

Aim: To evaluate the Assistant Practitioner (AP) role in terms of service delivery and gain insight into the improvements that could be made in embedding this role effectively. This evaluation was timely as the role had been established in radiography for several years and there was limited research which explored its success in practice. Method: A qualitative approach was used to examine the perceptions of radiology managers using a regional focus group (n = 10) and follow up interviews (n = 4). These were designed to gain an understanding of the managers' views. Focus groups and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using a framework analysis approach to reveal salient issues. Results: Three main themes representing the perceptions of the role were uncovered and these related to organisational issues, the educational perspective and the individual perspective. This paper is restricted to in depth reporting and analyses of the organisational and individual perspectives only. Analysis revealed several factors facilitated the role in practice but equally other factors inhibited its effectiveness. Conclusions: There is potential for the AP role to support the work of radiographers and more importantly enhance the care of patients. However, certain individual views should be addressed and the identified changes in departmental organisation attended to, if the role is to develop successfully and become firmly embedded in the radiography service structure.