The training and development of Assistant Practitioners(AP): An action research project to develop a tool to evaluate the impact of the AP role in practice and inform service development within NHS and Non -NHS organisations

This research study looks at how resources can be produced to assist managers making decisions about developing the role of the Assistant Practitioner(AP). It investigates evaluations of the AP role to date and considers how an impact evaluation tool can be produced to inform practice. The tool looks at how a mixed methods approach can be utilised to create evidence that is both qualitative and quantitative in nature. The aims of the study are to provide managers with evidence based resources that can inform their decision making when contemplating the training and development of non-registered staff into the role of AP and develop a tool that will evaluate the impact of the AP role within a service area. The study examines the stages taken to develop a tool that can be applied to the AP role but is also generic in nature and can be utilised in any area considering role development within their team