Learning and developmental needs of health assistants and nursing aides : an explanatory study

Abstract

A health care system depends on the individuals working within it. It is the health sector labour force that determines the quality and success of any health organisation. Patients and the general public expect high standards of care from whoever delivers it. To date in Malta, most of the health care professions have received support for further training, education and ongoing professional development to ensure high quality standard of care. However, minimal attention has been given to the unregulated category of health care support staff. Over the past 20 years, this category of health care workers has been assigned a variety of titles, including health assistants, nursing aides, carers and care workers.