Integration of APs- using the critical incident technique
It is unquestioned that the assistant practitioner (AP) is a valuable member of the healthcare team; however, some APs have reported challenges in being accepted into their roles. Using a critical incident technique, a purposive sample of 5 assistant practitioners took part in a study, which explored their experiences of working within a multidisciplinary team. More specifically, the objectives of the study were to identify examples of good practice and also to uncover those areas that could be improved. Four key themes emerged from the data: Being acknowledged; professional put-downs; role ambiguity; expectation boundaries. Despite being small-scale, the study concluded that the integration of the AP role is fraught with challenge. The study also concluded that the critical incident technique is a valuable method when undertaking research in this area.
SUMMARY A significant rate of implant failures in clinical practice still persists today. This causes many problems for both, dentist and patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the available literature, presenting a clinical report and also to discuss subjects relating to implant failures during osseointegration. The literature research pointed out the various factors possibly involved in implant failures and how their occurrence may be minimized.