title: A role that crosses traditional boundaries.
abstract: The assistant practitioner role has resulted from recognition that, in order to manage the UK's chronic shortage of registered nurses, new nursing support roles are needed. As a profession trained to take on some duties currently undertaken by nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, the assistant practitioner is one possible solution to this shortfall, making the patient the role's focus.
authors.affiliation: Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Doherty
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000600:supply & distribution; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D010865:Pilot Projects; D006113:United Kingdom