Search

Nurses in primary care are often the first point of access for those seeking health care, and it is well known that accessing health services can be difficult for some, especially those on a low income. A charity initiative has been developed in a low-income area in England to help such individuals, wherein volunteers help local residents to access local services and support. This study explores the experiences of service users in order to understand their perceptions and feelings about the service, using an instrumental case study method with semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were collected from six service users and transcribed by the researcher for subsequent thematic analysis. The participants' experiences were characterised by reduced social isolation, reduced emotional distress, improved mobility and transport options, improved confidence and control over life, and effective management of memory issues. Various aspects of advocacy and empowerment were also observed. Further, the coping strategies used by the participants while facing the challenges of social isolation and ageing were highlighted. The findings provide important insight into the support needs of populations on low income, the ways in which they access healthcare and how the volunteer service can best support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the results of a study of six focus groups in two hospital trusts about the role of the assistant practitioner in the clinical setting, with topics mentioned such as registered nurses, nursing associates, and the National Health Service.

Background Assistant practitioners have knowledge and skills beyond the level of traditional support staff, and work in many clinical settings. However, some assistant practitioners lack a clearly defined role and may be under-used due to issues around accountability and uncertainty about their purpose. This paper explores the assistant practitioner role from the perspectives of assistant practitioners and registered nurses. Methods This study aimed to explore the role of the assistant practitioner from the perspectives of assistant practitioners and registered nurses in two NHS hospital trusts in Oxfordshire, UK. Six qualitative focus groups were undertaken between February–March 2017. Ethical approval was obtained (FREC 2016/05) and written consent was provided by participants. Data was analysed thematically analysed using the Framework method. Results Some 19 participants (assistant practitioners, n = 12; registered nurses, n = 7) were recruited using convenience sampling. Emerging themes related to 'fluctuating roles and responsibilities of assistant practitioners', 'role differences between registered nurses and assistant practitioners', 'working relationships', 'supervision' and 'redefining nursing pathways'. The Results and Discussion sections highlight a lack of role clarity and blurring of boundaries between the roles of assistant practitioners and registered nurses, with many tasks undertaken by both. This lack of ownership of 'nurse-specific' roles by registered nurses was evident and clear differences were only encountered with regard to accountability. The development of the nursing associate role provides managers with the opportunity to redefine staff banding hierarchies to ensure that clinical staff are aware of their role capabilities and limitations and are practising safely, while promoting career development and progression pathways. Conclusion Addressing issues around role clarity can benefit professional development, satisfaction, role identity and ownership for registered nurses and assistant practitioners, by recognising the individual and collective value they bring to the clinical team. The findings can help inform the development of the nursing associate role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]