Which group of healthcare workers is primarily involved in the day-to-day care of patients?

The group of healthcare workers primarily involved in the day-to-day care of patients is unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). These individuals typically perform routine tasks that are essential for patient support and comfort, such as assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patients' basic needs, and providing companionship. UAPs often work under the supervision of registered nurses or other licensed personnel, allowing them to play a crucial role in the daily operations of patient care.

While registered nurses, medical assistants, and physicians also engage in patient care, their roles differ significantly. Registered nurses are responsible for comprehensive patient care, including developing care plans and administering medications. Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks, often in a supportive role rather than direct patient care. Physicians focus on diagnosis and treatment planning, making their interactions with patients less frequent on a daily basis compared to UAPs, who provide direct, hands-on care consistently throughout a patient's stay.