Emergency Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

The Training needs of the Manager of Allied Health Professions

Lorenzo Antonelli

Background: Since its establishment under Italian law 251/2000, the role of the head of health professions has felt the need to develop and expand managerial skills. Despite the existence of training courses for general managers of health companies, studies on the professional development of the Italian NHS management and management training of NHS managers, attention has not yet focused on technical health professions. A study on the real training needs would allow the design of ad hoc routes, aimed at the professional growth of this role.
Objective: The aim of this research is to explore the training needs of the manager of technical health professions, so that the results can be used to design a managerial course for those who seek to or already cover this role.
Materials, Methods and Sample: The survey was conducted in the period between March and July 2017 and involved a representative sample of 20 health professionals from the diagnostic technical area (15 managers, 3 organizational positions, 2 coordinators) from Central-Northern Italy. The survey method used was an online questionnaire, made of 70 questions divided into 3 areas: personal data, skills and training-innovation. Before the interview was held, the consultation of a focus group from two hospitals in Rome made it possible to analyze the profile of the manager and how training could contribute to its development.
Results: The study shows the need for managerial training in blended mode, or mixed, with frontal lessons and technical-practical lessons, conducted by managers and trainers. The course must take place over several years, in the autumn and spring months, in outdoor and indoor settings. The issues that must be addressed are those related to management and organization, analysis techniques and problem solving, legislative aspects and teamwork. Furthermore, it shows a great interest in participating in courses across multiple areas, disciplines and professions and in meetings between managers from different sectors, such as industrial or healthcare, of national and European realities.
Conclusion and Discussion: The research data constitutes a considerable resource for those who want to invest in a management training such that the managers of the technical health professions can become an added value to the system, contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the NHS.