Factors influencing the professional identity of medical care assistants: a qualitative study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the professional identity of medical care assistants (MCAs) and to interpret relevant findings through the lens of social identity theory, thereby informing strategies to support professional identity and workforce stability. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research design was adopted. Using purposive sampling, 15 MCAs from a tertiary grade A hospital in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, were recruited for one-to-one semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed via inductive thematic analysis, and this report was prepared according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Results: Four themes and eight subthemes were identified: social evaluation influencing experiences of professional value and dignity, including recognition of professional value and challenges to professional dignity; role positioning and practical needs constructing professional meaning, including professional role positioning and practical needs as a driving factor; care interactions and self-adjustment shaping professional experiences, including communication and trust building and professional competence and emotional adjustment; and team and organizational support strengthening professional identity, including acceptance by the healthcare team and professional training and institutional support. Participants described social evaluation, professional role positioning, recognition or devaluation experienced during care interactions, team acceptance, and organizational support as factors influencing their professional identity. Practical needs primarily shaped occupational choice and intentions to remain, whereas self-adjustment functioned as a coping process within emotionally demanding care experiences. Conclusion: Accounts from participants suggest that the professional identity of MCAs is shaped by social evaluation, role positioning, care interactions, and team and organizational support within the context of their workplace. Healthcare institutions and relevant employers should enhance social and team recognition, clarify responsibilities of the role and collaboration boundaries, improve training and supportive employment arrangements, and consider performance-based incentives to support professional identity and workforce stability of MCAs.
Source: Frontiers in Medicine
Institution: Wuhan University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Research and Theory
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7222684709