Can the Use of Social Media Raise the Profile of Allied Heath Professions in Scotland?
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Abstract
Background
The Allied Heath Professions (AHPs) consist of twelve professions of which there are < 12,000 qualified AHPs working in the public health system in Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/11104802/2
Recent and current health policy clearly articulates the need for the NHS in Scotland to focus on improving patient care and outcome, shifting the balance of care from acute to community settings, patient safety, promoting self management and the management of long term conditions, rehabilitation and enablement. AHPs have much to contribute to this agenda although public and professional recognition of the extent of this contribution is not as widely recognised as AHPs would like.
Issue
The Scottish AHP Directors Group (ADSG) who consist of 17 nationally endorsed AHP leaders representing all healthcare providers and special health boards in Scotland debated this issue. It was decided to explore the use of social media as a potential mechanism to raise the profile of AHPs and recognition of the valuable contribution they make to policy aims. A parallel driver for this work was the imminent publication of a National Delivery Plan (Strategy) for AHPs in Scotland and the need to consult widely. A core group of Scottish AHP Directors (5) grounded in academic writing, have been working with a social media expert in an attempt to learn, hone and master new social media skills. Emphasis is being placed on a suite of learning styles including independent, group and directly supported learning. Training material have been developed and are available on line http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NhKTy9ULik The initiative, Project Ghandi, (#prohectghandi) began in March 2012 and will run for 6 months http://www.chrissmithonline.co.uk/projectghandi/ . A clear plan sets out weekly and project goals which include posting tweets and blogs containing key messages to specific public and professional audiences. Expert support is being provided on a one to one basis together with weekly peer support sessions held via Skype.
Evaluation
Baseline measures of core group personal technological capabilities, knowledge and confidence in using social media and overall aims have been captured and will be repeated at 3 and 6 months. Other key outcome indicators include, type and number of audiences engaged with, blog reads/visits, approaches via other means citing social media etc. Results will be available at the beginning of September 2012 and used by ADSG to inform next steps, wider dissemination strategies and cascade training/involvement of other AHPs in Scotland.
@lesleyahpd @lynneahpd @elaineahpmh @carolynahpd @johnahpd
The Allied Heath Professions (AHPs) consist of twelve professions of which there are < 12,000 qualified AHPs working in the public health system in Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/11104802/2
Recent and current health policy clearly articulates the need for the NHS in Scotland to focus on improving patient care and outcome, shifting the balance of care from acute to community settings, patient safety, promoting self management and the management of long term conditions, rehabilitation and enablement. AHPs have much to contribute to this agenda although public and professional recognition of the extent of this contribution is not as widely recognised as AHPs would like.
Issue
The Scottish AHP Directors Group (ADSG) who consist of 17 nationally endorsed AHP leaders representing all healthcare providers and special health boards in Scotland debated this issue. It was decided to explore the use of social media as a potential mechanism to raise the profile of AHPs and recognition of the valuable contribution they make to policy aims. A parallel driver for this work was the imminent publication of a National Delivery Plan (Strategy) for AHPs in Scotland and the need to consult widely. A core group of Scottish AHP Directors (5) grounded in academic writing, have been working with a social media expert in an attempt to learn, hone and master new social media skills. Emphasis is being placed on a suite of learning styles including independent, group and directly supported learning. Training material have been developed and are available on line http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NhKTy9ULik The initiative, Project Ghandi, (#prohectghandi) began in March 2012 and will run for 6 months http://www.chrissmithonline.co.uk/projectghandi/ . A clear plan sets out weekly and project goals which include posting tweets and blogs containing key messages to specific public and professional audiences. Expert support is being provided on a one to one basis together with weekly peer support sessions held via Skype.
Evaluation
Baseline measures of core group personal technological capabilities, knowledge and confidence in using social media and overall aims have been captured and will be repeated at 3 and 6 months. Other key outcome indicators include, type and number of audiences engaged with, blog reads/visits, approaches via other means citing social media etc. Results will be available at the beginning of September 2012 and used by ADSG to inform next steps, wider dissemination strategies and cascade training/involvement of other AHPs in Scotland.
@lesleyahpd @lynneahpd @elaineahpmh @carolynahpd @johnahpd
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