Healthcare science - education and training provision: baseline review

1. Background

Healthcare Science (HCS) is the fourth largest professional group within the NHS.

The 50 different disciplines that make up the professional group work across the entire patient pathways and are responsible for 80% of all the diagnostic tests. Healthcare Scientists are at the forefront of innovation, research and development and play a significant role in developing and influencing the delivery of patient care pathways, including the use of robotics; 3D printing; genomics or new technology.

The pandemic has significantly raised the profile of the HCS workforce in particular the role of the laboratory services (Microbiology and Virology) and clinical engineering. Many specialisms have successfully adapted and changed their service delivery models delivering more services closer to the patient.

As NHS Scotland moves towards recovery following the pandemic and patient care evolves through the improved use of new technologies and the enhanced use of digital solutions such as NearMe, it is essential that this momentum of change and innovation continues if we are to support the aim and vision of the NHS Recovery plan (1) and the COVID Recovery Strategy (2). Pivotal to this is ensuring any redesign of services and patient pathways are supported by an appropriately trained workforce and a sustainable workforce pipeline. The National Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care in Scotland (3) reinforces this vision.

The Healthcare Science Education survey which has been undertaken and the results contained within this document set out to better understand the HCS education and training landscape. Thematic analysis of the survey results identified 6 key themes which are listed below and will inform the National Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care in Scotland (3) commitment to undertake a HCS Education scoping review.

Themes

1. Improved visibility HCS professions

2. Access routes across all HCS specialities

3. Education Programmes available for HCS specialities

4. National Education Infrastructure for HCS

5. Solutions for the challenges in the current education provision

6. Emerging roles across our HCS specialities