Feeling valued at work: a qualitative exploration of allied health profession support workers.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore Allied Health Professions (AHP) support worker perceptions of feeling valued and to understand what factors contribute to this feeling of "value".

Design: This was a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews undertaken virtually. The data were analysed using a process of thematic analysis in order to gain an in depth understanding of the factors that affect support workers feeling "valued".

Setting And Participants: Twenty-nine AHP support workers were recruited. They had a wide range of characteristics and experience in a variety of different settings and working with different professions. Participants all had experience of working in England and data collection was undertaken during February and March 2024.

Results: A sense of belonging, recognition for their skills and abilities, empowerment within their role, as well as opportunities to develop, were seen as key factors contributing to their feeling of value. Where support workers did not feel valued, they often referred to themselves as "just a support worker" and their skills and abilities were not fully utilised. Where support workers did feel valued, they thrived in their roles and enjoyed the opportunities that the role afforded them. There was significant variation in how valued our support workers felt which had a clear impact on them as people, but also would influence the care that they delivered.

Conclusion: AHP support workers are an integral part of the workforce, occupy diverse roles in healthcare and work collaboratively with registered staff, often prioritising patient care over their own career development and ambition. Recognising, empowering, and including them in teams is crucial for a supportive environment. Acknowledging their skills, providing learning opportunities, and supporting their development is essential for their well-being and fostering inclusivity in healthcare. By valuing and nurturing AHP support workers, we improve patient care and build a stronger healthcare workforce.