Effect of a training programme on the work of GP-based HCAs

Aims: The aims of this study were to explore how the health care assistant (HCA) is deployed in primary care, to investigate the impact of education on individual role/career development and to understand the perceived effect it has had, if any, on the general practice team in terms of service delivery. Method: The 18 respondents came from a whole population sample which was drawn from the 106 GP surgeries that had submitted their HCAs for Knowledge and Skills in Primary Care (KaSPaC) training in 2005–10, encompassing three NHS Primary Care Trusts in the South East of England. Results: Eight (KaSPaC trained) HCAs, four practice nurses and six practice managers completed the survey. The analysis revealed that the programme had provided individuals with a foundation for good practice; had been beneficial in terms of skill mix and service delivery; and had increased practice nurse confidence in task delegation. Conclusions: This study highlights the positive impact of structured accredited education on staff working in general practice but it also reveals that there is still a lack of standardization regarding the deployment and utilization of the HCA role within primary care.