Search results

This chapter discusses the challenges associated with providing learning support for health care professionals in the UK's hospitals, particularly for newly qualified radiographers and physiotherapists in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals. The author discusses six learning challenges faced by these new employees: (1) successful engagement with major (and changing) work activities; (2) successful interaction with others; (3) successful learning from experience; (4) alignment of professional and personal values; (5) commitment to continuing professional development; and (6) coping with the demands for flexibility, transferability and work intensification in the workplace. The author discusses the role of vocational education and training (VET) professionals, and acknowledges that the extent of required support from VET professionals is dependent upon the provision of other support factors. Experienced colleagues of newly qualified health professionals play an important role in supporting learning, although the extent of support is dependent upon the context of the learning situation. Professional development of health care professionals, which fosters their ability to support others in learning processes, will contribute to thorough learning support for newly qualified health care professionals in the future.