How Healthcare Assistants Improve Patient Outcomes

In the healthcare field, healthcare assistants (HCAs) are at the heart of patient support and smoothing the function of facilities. Healthcare assistants improve patient outcomes by working alongside residential care homes, hospitals or hospices, meeting patient needs, providing comfort, and developing relationships.

Unfortunately, many HCAs are wrongfully overlooked. They provide essential services and contribute significantly to the healthcare service, improving patient experience, treatment, and quality of care.

How Healthcare Assistants Contribute

At the frontline, HCAs provide hands-on service to individuals requiring daily healthcare, often in cases where the individual lacks the physical capacity to do so. Tasks include feeding, bathing, and mobility support. A patient’s physical and mental well-being is important, and these tasks help considerably.

HCAs develop relationships with individual residential patients, significantly improving their mental health issues and fear of isolation. Alternatively, in hospices, HCAs provide compassionate care. Patients feel a great deal of comfort during a difficult time, thanks to HCAs across the UK.

Finally, HCAs help in hospitals. Whether it’s caring for patients, documenting or helping with procedures, these tasks help doctors and nurses focus on pressing or complex patients who require significant treatment.

How Do Healthcare Assistants Improve Patient Outcomes?

HCAs fulfilling basic tasks is a myth. Presence and hard work allow them to spot sudden changes in patient well-being or conditions, like a decrease in mental capacity. Reporting these changes to nursing staff or doctors plays a vital role in patient recovery and treatment.

Hospitals, hospices, and residential homes can be daunting for certain individuals, but HCAs create a comforting environment to counter this. It reduces stress and anxiety in individuals, especially those going through life-changing illnesses.

Training and Development Importance

To maintain and develop the positive impact HCAs provide, quality training programs and professional development are essential. A deep understanding of practical skills and patient care principles is required. This includes safeguarding and behaviour management–both of which are challenging skills.

Plus, effective communication is key, as HCAs require complex strategy management, like in cases of dementia. In turn, this helps when communicating with doctors, nurses, and in sensitive situations, such as with patients’ families.

As with any area, career progression provides opportunity, growth, and personal development. HCAs with a clear career ladder promote satisfaction, motivation, and overall efforts to improve their skills. Investing in the growth of HCAs benefits the individual and the healthcare system and develops a positive working relationship.

Empowering HCAs Through Support

Without adequate support–resources and emotional–HCAs can experience burnout and high turnovers. Unfortunately, this impacts their work performance, progression, and mental health. Prioritising the mental health of HCAs with counselling, colleague support, and check-ins will help avoid these issues.

Above all, the recognition of their difficult and emotionally challenging work provides a great deal of support. Rewarding and recognising milestones boosts workplace positivity. Even simple gestures create an improved workplace environment for HCAs and contribute towards feeling valued for their work.

How Can Staffing Agencies Help?

Cucumber Recruitment supports HCAs and the vital service they provide. Staffing agencies appoint HCAs through screening to find the perfect job match for the healthcare facility and worker.

At Cucumber Recruitment, the development of staff is essential. Prioritising staff development and mental health prepares the HCAs with a strong skill set to deliver quality care.

Investing in and recognising the importance of HCAs will significantly improve all healthcare facility efficiency. HCAs help create a quality and welcoming experience for all patients, and investing in training programs and support systems for these individuals will help them thrive.

Are you trying to appoint a top HCA but don’t know where to start? Cucumber Recruitment are a nursing agency that will transform your hiring process. Get in touch today to learn how our solutions can improve your patient care.