Exploring Issues of Maternity Care Assistant Role Boundaries (original) (raw)

British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 2011

Abstract

Workforce challenges in the NHS have lead to maternity care assistants (MCAs) playing an ever-increasing role in maternity services. However, with the development of the role of the MCA, it is important to recognize the potential for confusion regarding the tasks and responsibilities to be undertaken by the MCA. In some cases, uncertainty may lead to to role ambiguity and unclear boundaries between these two groups of staff. This article presents findings from a qualitative study into the perceptions of MCAs and midwives as to the role boundaries of the MCA. Findings illustrate that while many MCAs felt confident about the appropriate parameters of their practice, others recounted some instances when they had considered the boundary to be ambiguous. This article examines potential sources of this ambiguity, discusses some wider implications and offers some suggestions for more effective management of role boundaries to prevent ambiguity.

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