Has the skills mix promise been broken? A scoping review of the deployment of the support and assistant workforce within diagnostic imaging in the UK

Abstract

Introduction: In the UK the development of skill mix in radiography at the end of the 20th century formalised the assistant practitioner role, separating it from the support worker function. The key aim was to increase imaging capacity whilst enabling opportunities for career progression within both the support and radiography workforce. There has been limited examination of these support and assistive roles and this review aims to explore the current evidence.

Methods: This scoping review used a systematic search strategy and interrogated MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and Google Scholar. Primary research articles published in the English-language referring to studies conducted in the UK on assistant or support roles in radiography were sought. The sourced data was uploaded to a web-based review platform for screening.

Results: The literature search identified only 11 articles which met the search criteria, of which only one referred to the support worker role. Adopting a primarily qualitative approach the quality of the articles varied. Thematic analysis was undertaken using a priori themes role purpose, outcomes, aspirations and capacity building.

Conclusion: There is limited research evidence of capacity generation with most presenting individual perspectives. Job satisfaction and career aspirations within the support and assistive workforce are evident but there is still confusion over scope of practice and supervision.

Implications for practice: The support and assistive workforce are a key part of the diagnostic imaging workforce but limited research evidence examining these roles has been published. Further research exploring the impact of skill mix changes across all levels and imaging professions is required.

Keywords: Assistant practitioner; Diagnostic imaging; Radiography; Skill mix; Support worker.