This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Rethink nursing associate role, study says
A study published in the BMJ Quality and Safety journal has questioned the rollout of the new nursing association role, claiming the use of junior care roles are linked to higher death rates.
The new nurse associate roles are seen as bridging the gap between nurses and healthcare assistants, and is due to come into force in December. To become qualified they will undergo two years of training and be involved in the clinical aspects of care, including medication administration.
The research used surveys of nurses and patients, staffing data and death rates and monitored the impact of using staff that assist nurses, such as the healthcare assistant role routinely used in the NHS.
The findings indicated an average death rate of 12.8 per 1,000 patients discharged.
Professor Peter Griffiths, of Southampton University, commented: "England has one of the lowest percentages among European countries of professional nurses at the bedside already.
"Our study suggests that the NHS needs to focus on achieving safe registered nurse staffing levels as a means to achieve better outcomes including improving patients' satisfaction with their care."
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Department of Health said: "Our plans complement not replace existing fully qualified registered nurses.
"This will ensure that nurses can make the best use of their time in providing outstanding patient care."
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