Healthcare assistant role development: a literature review

Aim: The aim of this literature review was to examine the role of the healthcare assistant. Background: Within the United Kingdom the healthcare assistant role has been pivotal for ensuring that patient care is provided. Due to ongoing changes in nursing practice, healthcare assistants are now taking on caring roles formerly undertaken by registered nurses. Prior to determining what roles healthcare assistants can undertake, it is important to ascertain whether training for a particular role in practice is required. Method: A review of the literature was undertaken to define the key topics concerning healthcare assistant development. Findings: A review of the literature revealed that the main topics associated with the role of the HCA are: government policy, nursing skill mix, healthcare assistant education, method of training, professional boundaries, role clarification, interdisciplinary working, patient safety, accountability, role allocation and patient satisfaction. Results: This review identifies that the healthcare assistant role can be effectively developed to meet the ever-changing needs of the patient and that this development is not only achievable but desirable. Conclusion: The literature review suggests that the role of the healthcare assistant can be developed. Nonetheless, careful consideration of specific healthcare assistant roles in practice is necessary to ensure competence alongside the acknowledgement of role limitations and professional integrity. Recommendations: The healthcare assistant role can be significantly developed by encouraging appropriate training with programmes such as National Vocational Qualifications in line with local policy. Healthcare assistant development might also have wider benefits such as enhancing formalised training within the clinical area and recruitment for preregistration training and education.