Article: Improving Clinical Services and Patient Care

[Name of the Institute]

Article: Improving Clinical Services and Patient Care

The Current Situation

It has been observed that, in the last ten years, the number of medical practitioners or other related staff entering the UK National Health Service (NHS) has significantly decreased. As a result, it has lowered the growth of NHS and become difficult to attract NHS staff, which is an increasingly important issue that needs to be solved (Cooper 2004: 22). The issue has gained a major level of attention by the media and research by professional associations. Much of this attention is for the nursing profession that has been suffering from a shortage of qualified staff for quite a long time now. However, other areas such as AHPs (Allied Health Professions) are also a major area of concern as it is experiencing problems in recruitment and retention. However, recent studies have indicated that the number of practitioners in NHS is improving by the time; it is acknowledged that recruitment of practitioners will require continual attention by the Academic experts and the NHS (Forsyth, McKenzie 2006: 209-216).

Further, NHS is now paying more attention to increase the level of recruitment for the AHPs and workforce in order to increase the quality level of the health system. Therefore, it is important to understand the key elements that are required to be used to provide a high-level quality to patients and to increase the level of current health system (Bravata et al. 2004: 910).

Discussion

This study will provide a thorough understanding of the need of the current health system of UK and staffing strategies to improve the quality of clinical services and patient care as represented by the Four-Tier Model. It has been observed that authorities are focusing more on individuals rather than addressing concerns at an organization or policy level, which has become an alarming factor for the health care system. However, trusts undertake various activities with respect to newly qualified recruits and qualified returners, but these trusts tend to be localized initiatives. Since these initiatives are clearly important, more systematic and generalized research is required to address these generic issues.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

CPD is a process through which employees are subject to professional growth and development on the basis of their performance, capabilities, experience and educational background. The above mentioned conditions indicate that a high level of employee turnover results in deteriorating clinical care and services. Various studies have indicated the fact that people choose to be a practitioner with its association with the opportunity to help and care for people. In addition to that, studies have also concluded that young people considered nursing as the ability to assist and help patients for the purpose of entering the field of nursing. Similarly, students also perceive nursing as a career that offers opportunities for caring for people and assisting them to lead a health life (Fleming et al. 2004: 69).

Four-Tier Structure

The four-tier rile structure indicates the significance of direct involvement of practitioners in clinical examination ...