NHSE recently announced the introduction of the GP Assistant role to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) in late September 2022 to scale up additional roles in primary care, as well as increasing flexibility for primary care networks (PCNs) to do this to support general practice. The aim is to boost capacity within Primary Care and the NHS ahead of winter pressures. with details outlined in the following letter sent by NHSE to GP Practices and Primary Care Network leads on 26 September 2022: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/supporting-general-practice-primary-care-networks-and-their-teams-through-winter-and-beyond/
Click HERE for the NEL Training Hub General Practice Assistance Training Programme Pilot
Follow a manual added link
CLICK HERE FOR THE JOB DESCRIPTION
| Key roles and responsibilities | Education and training requirements |
Recommended minimum supervision |
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Trained in-practice, with on-the-job training in line with the DES role outline and HEE national competency framework for general practice assistants
Can do so by, for example, completing HEE’s accredited training programme |
On-the-job training and development should be led by a GP mentor, in line with the DES role outline and the HEE national competency framework for general practice assistants |
Case Studies
General Practice Assistants: Evidence and benefits
This document provides overall impact and outcomes collated from the first national cohort of General Practice Assistants, illustrating how it has helped to improve patient and staff experience, population health and release time to care.
General Practice Assistant video case study
This video clip shows a GP practice in the North West highlighting challenges posed to their practice and how they developed a Medical Assistant role, transforming the way they work and practice. The development journey of the role is outlined from the Medical Assistant and GP partners.
General Practice Assistant case study
A written case study conducted with Gresleydale Medical Centre in 2019 focussing on how they introduced two GPA’s into their Practice. It highlights the initial challenges faced by the GP practice prior to recruiting GPAs, and the key outcomes, achievements, challenges and lessons learned, post recruitment.
General Practice Assistant case study
A written case study conducted with the GPA and GP mentor at Swan Medical Practice in 2022, illustrating the role flexibility and how it is developing in practice.
North West Case Study – Learners
Case study giving detailed information collected from a group of learners involved in the North West pilot.
North West Case Study – Mentors
Case study giving detailed information collected from a group of mentors involved in the North West pilot.
Competency Framework
Competencies and core functions
A framework specifying a range of core competencies expected of the General Practice Assistant (GPA) working within general practice/primary care.
Within the competency framework there is a section dedicated to understanding, preparing, obtaining and transporting venous blood samples (see Clinical domain). The following guidance will support GP practices in ensuring the correct practice is undertaken and the right evidence is produced by the GPA.
Evaluation
North West – GPA Cohort 1 – Leader Framework Evaluation report
This report presents and evaluation of the development of GP/Medical Assistant training programme in line with hybrid clinical and non-clinical model, delivered through the North West Training Hub structure.
Accredited Training Programme
Accredited Training Programme Overview
This document provides an overview of the current GPA accredited training programme.
GPA learner guide
A guide for learners including structure and components of the accredited training programme and how to build the evidence for portfolios.
Mentor guide
Guide for mentors to support them in providing educational and pastoral advice, direct learning and feedback to GPA learners undertaking the accredited training programme.
Frequently asked questions
This document includes questions and answers relating to the GPA programme and the Additional Roles Reimbursement (ARRS) scheme.