The AP in the hospice setting: work-based learning

Abstract

This is the second in a series of 4 articles looking at end-of-life and palliative care, examining the introduction of assistant practitioners (APs) across a range of services through a foundation degree at the University of Bolton. The hospice development will be examined. Changes in attitude to care of the dying will be explored, in terms of the way in which the hospices challenged the notion that death was an inevitable failure; rather, dying is seen as a time when good quality care and support was more important than ever, enabling a good death. The AP's role within the hospice setting will be explored, in terms of the skills they have developed and now utilise and where they fit into the teams they have become part of. The new role is providing important continuity of care; some of the successes and challenges in this new setting are examined.