Author: Stanmore E, Waterman H
Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation, 2007
Volume/pages: Vol 29(9), pp751-759

About the study
The authors describe and evaluate a generic Rehabilitation Assistant (RA) role developed as part of a joint project between a PCT, Acute Trust and Social Services to meet increasing rehabilitation needs. The three organisations agreed a 'joint vision statement'. Interviews were carried out with patients, therapists, nurses, managers and RAs, and the RAs were observed in their role, in order to evaluate the impact of the new role and examine its acceptability and integration.

Findings
The role was highly valued by patients, professionals and RAs. Factors influencing acceptance and integration of the new role included: prior experience and degree of role change; familiarity and inter-staff relationships; role distinction and contribution; and resources and management.

Key messages

• To work effectively the RA needs to have the trust of other professionals which will speed the successful integration and acceptance of the new role.
• The RA role worked most effectively in the settings where the workers were fully funded and therefore given the time required to work rehabilitatively.
• The ease of transition from a 'doing for' to an 'enabling' role varies according to the background and experience of the RA.