Information at the heart of decision making. A development priority?The current structure of the NHS and the pressure for system reform will inevitably require NHS organisations to change their working practice with regard to the management of data, information and knowledge. 'Informatics' in the healthcare setting is an enabler to promote and support the effective use of data, information, knowledge and technology to support and improve health and healthcare delivery. Effective use is critical, and NHS staff collecting and providing data and information need to have an underlying skill set to ensure knowledge is used appropriately and service enhancements are based on sound evidence. Senior staff in three strategic health authorities (SHA) have come together to work in collaboration with the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement (NHS I), the Information Centre and NHS Connecting for Health to create a pilot informatics graduate trainee scheme modelled on the national management trainee scheme (www.bringingleadershiptolife.nhs.uk). The underlying purpose of the pilot scheme is to create a set of recognised skills and competencies that begin the step-change in working practice and culture with regard to the effective use of data, information, and knowledge in NHS organisations by developing potential leaders of the future through an ‘Informatics’ route. Work on the pilot informatics graduate trainee scheme began in April 2007 and the scheme was advertised through NHS Jobs in July 2007. One-hundred and forty-four applications were received for a maximum of 12 places. Fifty-five candidates were short listed, thirty seven of whom completed two further assessments (a centre-based assessment on 16th August followed by an online testing). Twelve candidates were selected and offered a placement site on 31st August 2007. A competency framework will drive the type of activities to be undertaken by trainees in placements in NHS Organisations throughout the North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humber and including rotations through the Information Centre, NHS Connecting for Health and the Department of Health, over a two year period beginning October 2007. The framework will consider the need for first-rate technical skills, for example but not limited to: modelling, comparative analysis and use of analytical tools and benchmarking — for strategic and operational purposes; and personal attributes such as judgement, negotiation and ability to learn and adapt. The framework will be complemented with ‘managerial skills’ development and ‘action learning’ sets to ensure reflective practitioners. The intention is that these talented individuals have the potential to develop their careers in informatics and become inspirational leaders. A postgraduate qualification is also offered from the University
of Central Lancashire (www.uclan.ac.uk),
along with career planning advice and support to help trainees
attain senior positions where the application of these skills are
put to use in an ever-changing NHS. The NHS I recognise that their national scheme, which currently offers general management, finance and human resources specialisms, could be enhanced by the addition of a fourth specialism of information management or informatics, that meets the needs of the Service. A business case will be created using evidence from this scheme. The success of this pilot scheme relies on the selection of the best trainees from the candidate pool, a robust scheme design and underlying competency framework, having senior support from NHS organisations and enabling the learning to be generated into a national scheme that will benefit 40 individuals from 2009 onwards. It is a development initiative supporting information at the heart of decision making as well as the NHS leadership agenda. ASSIST National Council officers are involved in this pilot on the Steering Group and support the pilot as they mirror one of the Association’s in terms of raising standards through staff development and educational programmes. Current Chair: Brian Derry Find out more from the Project Manager 0787 989 8070. |
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