ReviewJournal of clinical nursing2026
Implementation of the Nursing Associate in the NHS: A Rapid Realist Synthesis to Understand Mechanisms of Integration and Workforce Development.
Review in Journal of clinical nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Exploring the Implementation of a New Nursing Role Using the CFIR-ERIC Approach: A Qualitative Study.Journal of nursing management · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
AIM(S): To develop theories about how Nursing Associate (NA) roles are implemented and working within NHS practice: What works, for whom, in what contexts and how?
methodsRapid realist synthesis of: (1) empirical and grey literature; (2) realist interviews with stakeholders. Sources were analysed using a realist approach that explored the data for novel or causal insights to generate initial programme theories.
resultsEmpirical and grey sources (n = 15) and transcripts from stakeholder interviews (n = 11) were synthesised which identified three theory areas relating to NA implementation: (1) Scope of NA role: Communication and expectations; (2) Variations to the NA model of working; and (3) Career progression: Entry point, stepping stone and career in itself.
conclusionThe NA holds the potential to improve nursing workforce stability by encouraging locally based, non-registered healthcare staff to transition to an NA. However, the lack of collective understanding of the NA scope of practice can cause staff friction. It is unknown whether this friction will reduce over time or if staff divisions will lead to further deterioration of the workforce. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Ongoing clear communication regarding NA scope of practice needs to be provided to aid understanding of their supplementary role and its potential contribution to nursing teams. IMPACT: This work represents a first step to support both researchers and nursing workforce leaders in furthering knowledge of the impact of integrating NAs in diverse healthcare contexts and to unearth the mechanisms underpinning the success or failure of this new role. REPORTING
methodRealist and meta-narrative evidence syntheses: Evolving standards. COMMUNITY INCLUSION AND ENGAGEMENT (CIE): Planning of the research design and interpretation of the results was completed with nurse clinicians with experience in the NA role.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.