Publication of specialist framework for healthcare support workers in major trauma
The Scottish Trauma Network (STN) and NES are pleased to announce the publication of the Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Development Framework for Major Trauma.
This framework, which is hosted on the STN website, is the result of close working between NES, the STN and HCSW NMAHP practitioners and consulting with the STN Education and Workforce group.
It provides specialist content and is a “bolt-on” to the existing Development and Education Framework for level 2-4 NMAHP Healthcare Support Workers which should be referred to first for:
- details of the four pillars of practice
- guidance on how to use the framework
- information on accountability and delegation
The NMAHP Development Framework for Major Trauma will be used by NMAHP HCSWs caring for major trauma patients in any local, regional and national in-hospital setting to:
- identify, plan and support learning needs
- identify career pathways
- enhance workforce planning
The STN Education and Workforce group, chaired by Dr Adam Hill, NES, was consulted at each stage of the framework development. The group helped to recruit Band 2-4 practitioners, from a mix of NMAHP professions who work in major trauma, to be part of 3 focus groups that informed the major trauma specific content of the framework. Engagement with clinical practice was essential for the authenticity and embedding of the framework into practice.
The quotes below illustrate what practitioners wanted from a development framework specifically for major trauma.
“….to understand the patient journey and what happened before they arrived in our department”
“…to appreciate the challenges of other practitioners involved in major trauma cases”
“…to find common learning needs across NMAHP professions and settings”
Work around the relationship between major trauma and psychological trauma took place and signposting to the National Trauma Training programme was integrated into the framework. This will enhance the learning experience and encourage the spread of trauma informed practice and was supported by Dr Sandra Ferguson, Associate Director of NES Psychology.
The design team at National Services Scotland (NSS) did a brilliant and creative job of combining 2 distinct brands using STN and NES logos, icons and images to create a recognisable and engaging document.
There is already interest from local major trauma teams to test the framework by using it in a variety of education and workforce planning related projects. This will give the opportunity to evaluate and collect and report impact data.
We will promote the framework through the STN, NSS and NES networks including social media, Scottish Executive Nurse Directors, Allied Health Professions Directors Group, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Allied Health Professions Officer. It was first shown at NES’s Annual Virtual Conference in April 2023.
The completion of the framework achieves the STN’s objective of having a development framework for all NMAHP roles in major trauma.
For more information, please contact nss.scottrauma@nhs.scot
July, 25 2023