BACKGROUND

To introduce a novel role of the Doctors’ Assistant (DA) into psychiatric settings within the National Health Service (NHS) and determining the effect of the DA role both on trainee doctors’ and the wider workforce’s workload.  

It has been identified that trainee doctors, especially junior trainees, spend 40-70% of their time on administrative tasks and the proportion of paperwork has increased, thus reducing their time for training opportunities.  A pilot of the DA role was implemented in Psychiatry to predominantly support trainee doctors with administrative and basic clinical duties.  

METHODS

Four DAs were recruited from local colleges and implemented across four mental health sites, both inpatient and community.   A qualitative study was undertaken with focus groups with those who worked with the DAs. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis conducted. 

FINDINGS

Feedback received on the role was generally positive.  Doctors experienced a reduction in their overall workload, allowing them more time to spend with patients, leave work on time, improved clinical consistency and generally enhanced their training experience and overall morale.  The DAs felt it gave them valuable skills and understanding of working in a healthcare setting.

OUTCOMES

We found that implementing a novel role of a DA into psychiatry within the NHS is an effective, inexpensive and speedy solution to increased junior doctor workload and low morale.  Increasing doctor’s time with patients and improved interprofessional communication contributes to a positive impact on patient care.  The DA role could be considered across all psychiatric teams and the wider medical workforce.

DOCTORS' ASSISTANTS: PILOTING A NOVEL ROLE TO SUPPORT WITH JUNIOR DOCTOR WORKLOAD IN A PSYCHIATRIC SETTING