This research explores the factors that contribute to the successful employment of allied health and social care assistants in community-based rehabilitation services (CBRS) in England. The study involved thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups with 153 staff members, both professionally qualified and assistants, from 11 interdisciplinary teams focused on older people’s rehabilitation.
Assistants were seen as central to care delivery and instrumental in helping services achieve their goals within team structures. The study identified nine key mechanisms that support the effective employment of assistants:
- Multidisciplinary team input into training and support for assistants.
- Timely client assessments by qualified staff.
- Clear communication structures between qualified and assistant staff.
- Co-location of teams to enhance communication and skill sharing.
- Removing barriers that limit staff from working to their full potential.
- Facilitating role flexibility for assistants while maintaining reablement principles.
- Allowing adequate time for interaction between clients and staff.
- Maintaining an appropriate ratio of assistants to qualified staff to ensure proper training and supervision.
- Providing adequate resources for training and reimbursement to reflect the responsibilities of the assistant role.
The study concludes that adhering to these mechanisms can enhance the efficiency and productivity of both assistants and qualified staff in CBRS.
Reference: Moran A, Nancarrow S and Enderby P. Health and Social Care in the Community. 23 (4), 389-398 DOI: 10.1111/hsc. 12158