Critical analysis of the argument in favour of radiographer assistants

Abstract

It is apparent from current literature that Australia, like other countries, is facing an inevitable workforce crisis because of its aging population. It is predicted that, while the patient population will increase, the size of the health care workforce will decline. Health professionals are being encouraged by governments to examine new ways to practice. In the United Kingdom reform and restructuring of the radiography workforce has already taken place, apparently with some success. The introduction of assistant practitioners has aided the development of advanced and consultant practitioner roles. In Australia, health professions other than radiography have had assistant practitioners for many years. It is argued that the introduction assistant practitioners into the workforce has the potential to improve the perceived professionalism of radiographers. The radiography profession has been subject to ‘subordination’ and ‘limitation’ from the medical profession for decades but does not have capacity to formally delegate tasks to another subordinate occupation. With the prospect of health care workforce reform clearly evident, it may be timely for the radiography profession to proactively explore new, more flexible models of practice. The implementation of assistant practitioners may be a widely beneficial component of radiographic workforce reform.