Clinical vs. non-clinical mandatory training
Understanding the distinction: Clinical vs. non-clinical mandatory training
By Dr Richard Dune
Image by svitlanah via Envato Elements
In the rapidly evolving sectors of healthcare, adult social care, and children’s services, maintaining high standards of practice is paramount. At The Mandatory Training Group, we recognise the critical role that both clinical and non-clinical mandatory training play in ensuring safety, compliance, and excellence. In this article, Dr Richard Dune elucidates the distinctions between these two essential training categories, underpinning their unique impacts and roles within healthcare organisations.
Clinical vs. non-clinical mandatory training
Understanding the distinction: Clinical vs. non-clinical mandatory training
By Dr Richard Dune
Image by svitlanah via Envato Elements
In the rapidly evolving sectors of healthcare, adult social care, and children’s services, maintaining high standards of practice is paramount. At The Mandatory Training Group, we recognise the critical role that both clinical and non-clinical mandatory training play in ensuring safety, compliance, and excellence. In this article, Dr Richard Dune elucidates the distinctions between these two essential training categories, underpinning their unique impacts and roles within healthcare organisations.
Image by LightFieldStudios Envato Elements
Key definitions and importance of training
Clinical mandatory training refers to instruction necessary for clinical staff—those directly involved in delivering care to patients. This includes modules on basic life support, infection prevention, and handling medication, tailored to ensure that clinical personnel can provide safe and effective care.
On the other hand, non-clinical mandatory training is designed for individuals who do not deliver direct care but support the healthcare environment. These modules might cover topics such as health and safety, fire safety, and data protection, crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.
Statistical insight
According to a 2022 NHS report, compliance rates for clinical mandatory training stood at 95%, reflecting a strong adherence to training initiatives that directly impact patient care. Comparatively, non-clinical training compliance was slightly lower at 90%, illustrating a need for increased focus in these equally vital areas.
Image by LightFieldStudios via Envato Elements
Image by baffos via Envato Elements
Relevant legislation and regulations
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) set the framework within which both types of training operate:
- Clinical training - Governed by regulations such as the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the CQC's Essential Standards of Quality and Safety, clinical training ensures that staff meet the high standards required for patient care.
- Non-clinical training - Legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Data Protection Act 2018 underpin non-clinical training, ensuring that all staff, regardless of their role, contribute to the creation and maintenance of a safe and secure working environment.
Best practices
Incorporating best practices into both training streams involves:
- Regular updates to training content to reflect the latest guidelines and research.
- Blended learning approaches to cater to different learning preferences and needs.
- Assessment and feedback mechanisms to measure efficacy and improve engagement.
Image by Rawpixel via Envato Elements
Image by Wavebreakmedia Envato Elements
The role of clinical mandatory training
Clinical training modules are designed with direct patient outcomes in mind. For example, a module on infection control directly correlates with reduced hospital-acquired infection rates—a critical factor in patient safety and healthcare service quality.
The impact of non-clinical mandatory training
Non-clinical training, while not directly involved in patient care, supports the overall healthcare infrastructure. Effective data protection training, for instance, ensures that patient records are handled securely, supporting compliance with GDPR and enhancing patient trust.
Recommendations for healthcare organisations:
- Invest equally - Allocate resources to ensure that non-clinical staff are as well-trained as their clinical counterparts.
- Customise training - Tailor training programs to the specific needs of different departments.
- Engage through technology - Utilise technological solutions to make training accessible and engaging for all staff members.
Image by Media_photos via Envato Elements
Image by Media_photos Envato Elements
Conclusion
Both clinical and non-clinical mandatory training are indispensable in the quest for high-quality healthcare delivery. While their focuses may differ, their importance cannot be understated. As healthcare continues to evolve, so must the training we provide, ensuring it remains relevant, comprehensive, and effective.
Click here to explore our wide range of online statutory and mandatory training courses.
Key definitions and importance of training
Image by LightFieldStudios Envato Elements
Clinical mandatory training refers to instruction necessary for clinical staff—those directly involved in delivering care to patients. This includes modules on basic life support, infection prevention, and handling medication, tailored to ensure that clinical personnel can provide safe and effective care.
On the other hand, non-clinical mandatory training is designed for individuals who do not deliver direct care but support the healthcare environment. These modules might cover topics such as health and safety, fire safety, and data protection, crucial for maintaining a safe working environment.
Statistical insight
Image by LightFieldStudios via Envato Elements
According to a 2022 NHS report, compliance rates for clinical mandatory training stood at 95%, reflecting a strong adherence to training initiatives that directly impact patient care. Comparatively, non-clinical training compliance was slightly lower at 90%, illustrating a need for increased focus in these equally vital areas.
Relevant legislation and regulations
Image by baffos via Envato Elements
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) set the framework within which both types of training operate:
- Clinical training - Governed by regulations such as the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the CQC's Essential Standards of Quality and Safety, clinical training ensures that staff meet the high standards required for patient care.
- Non-clinical training - Legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Data Protection Act 2018 underpin non-clinical training, ensuring that all staff, regardless of their role, contribute to the creation and maintenance of a safe and secure working environment.
Best practices
Image by Rawpixel via Envato Elements
Incorporating best practices into both training streams involves:
- Regular updates to training content to reflect the latest guidelines and research.
- Blended learning approaches to cater to different learning preferences and needs.
- Assessment and feedback mechanisms to measure efficacy and improve engagement.
The role of clinical mandatory training
Image by Wavebreakmedia Envato Elements
Clinical training modules are designed with direct patient outcomes in mind. For example, a module on infection control directly correlates with reduced hospital-acquired infection rates—a critical factor in patient safety and healthcare service quality.
The impact of non-clinical mandatory training
Image by Media_photos via Envato Elements
Non-clinical training, while not directly involved in patient care, supports the overall healthcare infrastructure. Effective data protection training, for instance, ensures that patient records are handled securely, supporting compliance with GDPR and enhancing patient trust.
Recommendations for healthcare organisations:
- Invest equally - Allocate resources to ensure that non-clinical staff are as well-trained as their clinical counterparts.
- Customise training - Tailor training programs to the specific needs of different departments.
- Engage through technology - Utilise technological solutions to make training accessible and engaging for all staff members.
Conclusion
Image by Media_photos Envato Elements
Both clinical and non-clinical mandatory training are indispensable in the quest for high-quality healthcare delivery. While their focuses may differ, their importance cannot be understated. As healthcare continues to evolve, so must the training we provide, ensuring it remains relevant, comprehensive, and effective.
Click here to explore our wide range of online statutory and mandatory training courses.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
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