NHS Scotland Academy uses digital resource to help support workforce

An NHS Scotland digital resource has been supporting people who would like to join the healthcare workforce and helping to accelerate their route into work.

Preparing for Work in Health and Social Care Programme launched in December 2021 and since then more than 1,200 learners have accessed it.

The resource was designed specifically to support the recovery programme for NHS Scotland with information and resources for those who are new to the industry, as well as those are relatively new to health or social care roles.

Director of the NHS Scotland Academy, Kevin Kelman, said: “This exciting digital resource enables people who are new to the field, or thinking about a career in health and social care, to be well prepared for what’s involved, making a difference to the delivery of person-centered care all across the country.”

The programme can be accessed from any device and offers an interactive learning experience. It offers educational videos, educational modules and quizzes so users can test their knowledge.

It supports easier access to the most relevant information using two platforms: the Healthcare Platform, curated by NHS Scotland Academy, and the Social Care Platform, developed by the Scottish Social Services Council.

The former is made up of two parts. The first part contains practical skills modules, while the second highlights non-technical skills which remain essential in the healthcare environment.

Kelman added: “The Social Care Programme has been developed by the Scottish Social Services Council as a resource intended to complement organisations’ induction programmes and relevant policies and procedures.

“It will support workers, together with their employers to identify what knowledge and guidance they need to be equipped and confident to safely provide person-centered support to people in their new role.

“This is an invaluable tool for making sure our health and social care workforce is as well prepared as they can possibly be to provide the highest level of care possible, in a complex and fast-changing landscape.”

Last month NHS Scotland also launched its new initiative, the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway to speed up the development, assessment and roll-out of proven technological innovations to healthcare workers.