Administration approaches of nursing assistants in hospitals: a scoping review

Abstract

Objectives: The administration of nursing assistants (NAs) is closely associated with patient outcomes, but studies evaluating intrahospital administration of NAs are limited. This study aimed to identify existing literature on intrahospital NAs' administration approaches.

Design: Scoping review.

Data sources: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, CNKI, APA PsycInfo, Wanfang Med, SinoMed, Ovid Emcare, NICE, AHRQ, CADTH, JBI EBP and Cochrane DSR were searched for articles published between January 2011 and March 2022.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: Qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method studies and evidence syntheses that evaluate administration approaches, models and appraisal tools of intrahospital NAs were included.

Data extraction and synthesis: Two independent reviewers conducted search, data selection and data extraction according to Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and methodology for scoping review. The quality of included studies was assessed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool or AMSTAR V.2. Data were synthesised using narrative methods and frequency effect size analysis.

Results: Thirty-six studies were eligible, with acceptable quality. We identified 1 administration model, 9 administration methods, 15 educational programmes and 7 appraisal tools from the included studies. The frequency effect size analysis yielded 15 topics of the main focus at four levels, suggesting that included articles were mainly (33%) focused on the competency of NAs, and the lectures were the most (80%) used strategy in quality improvement projects. Evidence from the studies was of low-to-moderate quality, indicating huge gaps between evidence-based research and management practice.

Conclusions: Practical intrahospital administration approaches were revealed, and fifteen primarily focused topics were identified. We should explore this area more thoroughly using structured frameworks and standardised methodology. This scoping review will help managers find more effective ways to improve the quality of care. Researchers may focus more on evidence-based practice in NA administration using the 15 topics as a breakthrough.

Keywords: HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT; Human resource management; Quality in health care.