This document summarizes a study that aimed to scope current practices in work-based learning and assessment programs for health professionals in Scotland. The researchers conducted a literature review, interviewed key staff from 13 higher education institutions and health employers, and identified strengths and weaknesses of these programs. They found that work-based programs can effectively develop skills when robust partnerships exist, but they also require significant resources. The researchers recommended these programs for some healthcare education and training, but noted more research is needed to compare them to traditional education models.

1. Scoping exercise of work-based assessment programmes for health professionals in Scotland. Mrs J McDowell, Mr W Wright, Dr K McHardy, Dr G Leese

2. Drivers for study Workforce development Skills development for health care Policies in health care Policies in education Increase in IT

3. Drivers for study: diabetes SGDEG action plan NHS Diabetes competences SGDEG endorse courses as meeting core competences Need for staff development in diabetes

5. Inclusion criteria Courses for Health Care Professionals Credit bearing National course Geographical area

6. Definition ‘ .. need to be reinforced through work. Learning through work is integrated into the doing of the job: it includes the application of job-related learning acquired elsewhere and the skills and knowledge which are acquired in the process of doing the job.’ Seagraves et al 1996

7. Research design Survey Ethics approval Literature review Interviews with key staff Discussions with employers and colleagues

8. Literature Review Key words used and databases searched Policy documents Grid compiled to compare different aspects Areas identified used to frame structure for interviews

9. Sample for Interviews Prospectuses and websites of 16 HEIs in Scotland Scottish Heads of Academic Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SHANAHP) Snowballing Targetted key individuals

10. Interviews 13 individuals 9 interviews 8 HEIs

19. Steering Group Project team Professor R Matthew: Learning and Teaching Centre, University of Glasgow Dr A O’Neill: Senior University Teacher, University of Glasgow Mrs M Havergal, Skills for Health, Scotland