Inter-identity threats and opportunities shaping professional influence for the Allied Health Profession (AHP) healthcare workforce: a study of identity paradox

Abstract

This paper extends our understanding of complexities in professional identity within healthcare by exploring a diverse group, UK allied health professionals (AHPs) working in clinical settings in public healthcare. Through qualitative thematic enquiry, we harness identity theory to highlight the threats and opportunities facing this workforce who contend with a multiplicity of identities. AHPs face an identity paradox, insofar as they hold both singular and collective professional identities that shift and change as they interact with different identity expectations within their work environment. We explore the impact of inter-identity threats and opportunities upon AHPs' professional identity, examining their impact upon AHPs' capacity to address and resolve ever-increasing system healthcare challenges. Our contribution presents a process-oriented model that highlights the importance of inter-identity dynamics, showing the interconnectedness of AHP identity with a range of detrimental outcomes that hinder the contribution of these professions and perpetuate existing difficulties.

Keywords: Health care; Identity work; Marginalization; Professionalization.