The Evolving Role of Medical Assistants in Healthcare: A Systematic Review of Their Impact on Patient Care and Clinical Efficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/as5zhb81Keywords:
Medical assistants, patient care, clinical efficiency, healthcare workforce, task delegation, workflow optimization, healthcare management, primary care.Abstract
The role of medical assistants (MAs) in healthcare has evolved significantly, contributing to both patient care
and clinical efficiency. This systematic review examines the impact of MAs on healthcare delivery, focusing on
their role in enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing clinical workflows, and alleviating the administrative
burden on healthcare professionals. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major
databases, selecting studies published from 2016 onwards that explore the contributions of MAs in various
healthcare settings. Findings indicate that MAs play a crucial role in patient education, care coordination, and
procedural support, leading to improved patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans. Additionally,
their involvement in administrative and clinical tasks enhances workflow efficiency, allowing physicians and
nurses to focus on more complex medical procedures. Despite their growing significance, challenges such as
role ambiguity, training disparities, and regulatory limitations persist. This review underscores the need for
standardized training programs, expanded scopes of practice, and further research to evaluate the long-term
benefits of MAs in healthcare systems.
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