AHA Link-2024-2 July-August - Flipbook - Page 10
NEWS
Healthcare Scientists are not Allied Health Professionals
Professor Chris Hopkins explores the implications
of this confusion and why it is important to
address the incorrect terminology.
In the complex world of healthcare, precise
terminology is crucial. One common issue that has
emerged is the incorrect labelling of healthcare
scientists as allied health professionals. While both
groups play vital roles in patient care, they have
distinct functions and expertise.
Understanding the Roles
Healthcare Scientists: Healthcare scientists are
specialists who apply their scientific knowledge to
prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. They work
in various fields, including clinical bioinformatics,
life sciences, physical sciences, and physiological
sciences. Their work often involves research,
developing new diagnostic techniques, genomics
and ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical
equipment.
Allied Health Professionals: AHPs, on the other
hand, include a diverse group of professionals such
as physiotherapists, paramedics, occupational
therapists, and dietitians. They provide direct
patient care and support, helping patients recover
and improve their quality of life through therapeutic
interventions.
The issues with incorrect terminology
1. Professional identity and recognition:
Mislabelling healthcare scientists as AHPs can
undermine their professional identity. Each group
has its own set of skills, training, and professional
standards. Recognising these distinctions is
essential for maintaining the integrity and
recognition of each profession.
can create confusion about responsibilities and
expectations, potentially impacting patient care. For
instance, a healthcare scientist’s role in developing
diagnostic tests is fundamentally different from an
AHP’s role in patient rehabilitation.
4. Policy and grant funding implications:
Healthcare policies and funding decisions are often
based on professional categories (NIHR, UKRI, MRC
etc.). Incorrect labelling can lead to inappropriate
allocation of resources, affecting the support and
development opportunities available to healthcare
scientists. This can hinder their ability to innovate
and contribute to advancements in medical science.
5. Patient trust and safety: Patients rely on the
expertise of healthcare professionals for accurate
diagnoses and effective treatment. Incorrect
labelling can erode trust if patients are unclear about
the qualifications and roles of the professionals
involved in their care. Ensuring that each
professional is correctly identified helps maintain
transparency and trust in the healthcare system.
Conclusion
Addressing the incorrect labelling of healthcare
scientists as AHPs is not just a matter of semantics;
it is about recognising and respecting the unique
contributions of each profession. By ensuring
accurate terminology, we can support professional
identity, enhance multidisciplinary collaboration,
and ultimately improve patient care. It is essential
for healthcare organisations, grant funders,
policymakers, and educators to acknowledge and
address this issue to foster a more effective and
respectful healthcare environment.
2. Training and education: The educational
pathways for healthcare scientists and AHPs are
different. Healthcare scientists typically undergo
rigorous scientific training, focusing on research and
diagnostic skills. AHPs, while also highly trained,
follow a curriculum centred around therapeutic
techniques. Mislabelling can lead to confusion
about the qualifications and expertise required for
each role.
3. Role clarity in multidisciplinary teams: In
a healthcare setting, clear role definitions are
crucial for effective teamwork. Incorrect labelling
10
Professor Chris Hopkins, President Elect Academy for
Healthcare Science, Clinical Director, UWTSD, Consultant
Clinical Scientist, Head of Innovation & the TriTech Institute at
Hywel Dda UHB, Fellow of the AHCS & IPEM
