The role of unregulated team members in team-based models of psychiatric in-patient care: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: To address growing care demands, workforce shortages, and the evolving nature of psychiatric care, there is a need to understand how team-based models of care that include unregulated team members are being implemented on in-patient psychiatric units.

METHOD: A systematic scoping review was completed using three databases. Eligible studies included those published between 2014 and 2025, that were conducted in psychiatric in-patient settings involving unregulated team members, using any research design.

RESULTS: Four papers were included in this review with each study introducing unique unregulated roles to address staffing challenges, enhance collaboration, and optimize patient care. Reported impacts spanned patient, team, and system-level outcomes, including improved patient engagement, therapeutic participation, enhanced team collaboration, and operational efficiency.

IMPLICATIONS: Implementing team-based models of care may provide opportunities for enhanced care delivery and workforce sustainability. However, without initial and ongoing training, support, and infrastructure investments, the inclusion of novel unregulated team member roles may present potential risks to care quality and patient safety.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Future research should explore training needs, role clarity, and unit dynamics to ensure the safe integration of unregulated team members in team-based models of in-psychiatric in-patient care.