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A UK survey exploring the assistant practitioner role across diagnostic imaging: current practice, relationships and challenges to progression
Harris, Martine A. Palmer, D.
Harris, Martine A.
Palmer, D.
Publication Date
2018
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© 2018 The Authors. Published by the British Institute of Radiology. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2018-07-03
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Department
Awarded
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Abstract
Skill mix has been established as one method
of maintaining imaging service delivery, with vertical and
horizontal substitution of roles and tasks. Assistant practitioners
(APs) have been undertaking limited imaging
practice for almost two decades, but there remains a
paucity of evidence related to the impact of their roles.
Methods: This article reports on an electronic survey of
individual APs within the NHS in the UK to explore utilisation,
role scope and aspirations.
Results: Responses were analysed from APs (n = 193)
employed in 97 different organisations across the UK.
The majority work in general radiography or mammography,
with very few responses from other imaging
modalities. Training routes varied across modalities,
with most achieving Band 4 under Agenda for Change
on completion of education. Limitations on practice
vary between organisations and modalities, with many
reporting blurring of the radiographer-AP boundary.
Many aspire to continue their training to achieve registrant
radiographer status, although there were clear
frustrations from respondents over the lack of overt
career prospects.
Conclusion: Integration of the role into imaging department
practice does not appear to be universal or
consistent and further research is required to examine
the optimal skill mix composition.
Advances in knowledge: Skill mix implementation is
inconsistent across modalities and geography in the
UK. Opportunities for further workforce utilisation and
expansion are evident.
Version
Published version
Citation
Snaith B, Harris MA and Palmer D (2018) A UK survey exploring the assistant practitioner role across diagnostic imaging: current practice, relationships and challenges to progression. British Journal of Radiology. 91: 20180458.
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Article