Future healthcare

Introduction In April 2020, a new workforce of clinical assistants (CAs), comprising predominantly of medical students, began work at Northampton General Hospital. Clinical-years students had a role similar to final-year student assistants; pre-clinical students were offered a healthcare assistant role. This research aimed to evaluate both CAs9 and clinicians9 perceptions of this programme. Methods Separate questionnaires were developed for CAs and clinicians, assessing the scheme9s successes and failures. Data analysis was carried out using MS Excel and SPSS. Results and discussion Forty-nine CAs and 60 clinicians responded. CAs of all years were completing the higher-level role. They were perceived to improve continuity of care (74% CA agreement; 88% clinician agreement), reduce clinician workload (90% clinician agreement) and felt significantly more confident with practical and administrative tasks. Sixty-eight per cent of CAs and 72% of clinicians believed the role should be ava...

Rheumatoid arthritis is an exemplar long term condition, complicated by pain, disability, comorbidities and long-term medication use. It has significant effects on mobility, work performance, social role, sexual function and relationships. It is commonly associated with fatigue and mood disturbance as a result of complex interactions of physical (disease related) and psychosocial factors.1 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance recommends the availability of psychological support for these patients.2 We have implemented a psychology service …