Exploring perceptions of safety and quality related to implementation of the nursing associate role

Nursing associates are being asked how their role actually works on the ground—and whether it makes care safer or riskier. The nursing associate role was introduced to fill gaps in the NHS workforce, sitting between healthcare assistants and registered nurses. But there is little evidence on how these staff are perceived by colleagues, whether they improve care quality, or what gets in the way of using them effectively. This study will interview staff at NHS sites that already employ nursing associates and at sites that do not, to compare views on what works and what does not. If the research succeeds, it could reshape how the NHS deploys nursing associates—particularly in primary and community care, where the evaluation is likely to focus. The findings could inform workforce planning, training, and supervision standards, potentially improving patient safety and staff morale without requiring more registered nurses. The study is still in the protocol development stage, working with NHS England’s Nursing Directorate.