Evaluating the Effectiveness of Health Assistants in Facilitating Communication Between Patients and Healthcare Providers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is a foundational determinant of care quality, patient satisfaction, treatment adherence, and safety outcomes. Health assistants, including nursing assistants and allied support personnel, often function as frontline communicators and intermediaries within clinical environments. Despite their expanding roles in healthcare systems, limited synthesis exists regarding their measurable effectiveness in facilitating communication processes. This systematic review evaluates the evidence examining the impact of health assistants on communication quality, patient understanding, care coordination, and patient safety outcomes. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies assessing communication facilitation roles of health assistants, patient navigators, or support personnel were included. Evidence suggests that health assistants enhance communication clarity, improve patient comprehension, support shared decision-making, and reduce miscommunication-related adverse events. Their presence is associated with improved patient satisfaction scores, better chronic disease management adherence, and enhanced coordination in multidisciplinary teams. Effectiveness is influenced by training, defined role boundaries, cultural competence, and institutional support. Although direct Saudi-based evidence remains limited, international data indicate significant potential benefits within structured healthcare systems. Strengthening competency frameworks and integrating communication training into assistant roles may optimize patient-centered care outcomes in Saudi healthcare settings.