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Key facts and statistics
- According to a survey conducted by the Health Foundation, ongoing training and development are linked to improved patient outcomes and reduced medical errors by up to 45%.
- In the UK, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) mandates regular training updates for healthcare and social care providers to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care.
- A study published in the British Medical Journal found that consistent training and skill maintenance significantly enhance staff confidence and performance, resulting in better patient experiences.
Key definitions
- Refresher training - Periodic educational sessions designed to update and reinforce existing knowledge and skills.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Structured activities that healthcare and social care professionals undertake to maintain and enhance their competence.
- Competency frameworks - Established standards outlining the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for effective practice within a specific profession or role.
Legislation, regulations, and best practice:
- Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) - Requires employers to provide adequate training to ensure their employees' health, safety, and welfare.
- Regulation 18 of the Health and Social Care Act (2008) - Mandates that healthcare providers must ensure staff are appropriately trained and competent to perform their roles.
- Skills for health core skills training framework - Provides a comprehensive guide for mandatory and statutory training requirements in health and social care settings.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines - Offer evidence-based clinical practice and professional development recommendations.
The importance of regular updates
Discuss the rapid pace of change in healthcare and social services, emphasising the need for ongoing learning to adapt to new technologies, treatments, and regulations.
Mitigating risks and ensuring safety
Highlight how refresher training helps identify and mitigate risks, reducing the likelihood of errors, accidents, and adverse events.
Enhancing quality of care
Explore how refreshed skills and knowledge translate into improved patient outcomes, satisfaction, and overall service quality.
Regulatory compliance and accountability
Examine the legal obligations and regulatory standards that necessitate ongoing training updates, emphasising the consequences of non-compliance.
Recommendations
- Encourage organisations to establish robust systems for tracking and delivering refresher training, continually incorporating feedback mechanisms to improve content and delivery methods.
- Advocate for a culture of lifelong learning, where professionals are encouraged and supported to pursue ongoing development opportunities beyond minimum requirements.
Conclusion
Refresher training is the lifeblood of a dynamic and responsive healthcare and social care system. By investing in the continuous development of staff, organisations not only fulfil their legal obligations but also demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation. Let's embrace the ethos of lifelong learning and ensure that knowledge remains fresh, skills stay sharp, and care standards soar.
Ready to elevate your skills and maintain compliance? Click here to explore our comprehensive range of refresher training courses at The Mandatory Training Group's ComplyPlus LMS™. Empower yourself to deliver exceptional care with confidence.
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.
