Evaluation of the role of Diagnostic Radiography Assistant Practitioners

Assistant Practitioner roles have been introduced into a majority of imaging service departments in hospitals across the UK. Their main function is to undertake tasks that can be accomplished safely (under supervision) by staff other than qualified radiographers. By introducing such roles, the intention was to increase the capacity of imaging departments. In January 2007, 41 support workers in Scotland began training programmes aimed at equipping them for the assistant practitioner role. An initial evaluation was conducted in May 2009, but this was soon after completion of the training. This follow-up evaluation aimed to: *measure the impact on radiographic services following the introduction of the Diagnostic Radiography Assistant Practitioner role *explore the patient experience following delivery of services from the Diagnostic Radiography Assistant Practitioner *investigate the ongoing development of the Diagnostic Radiography Assistant Practitioner role in NHS Scotland, and *identify future career aspirations of the Diagnostic Radiography Assistant Practitioners.