Modern healthcare is far more diverse than just doctors and nurses. To provide the best service to the largest number of users, many of whom have increasingly complex needs, the number of clinical roles available has continued to expand.
If you visit Tidal Training, you will see the range of clinical training courses available to help different types of professionals support a broader selection of patients. In recent years, the NHS has made an increasing commitment to the provision of multidisciplinary teams that incorporate a range of clinical positions as well as non-medical roles such as administrators and social workers. Some of these roles require advanced degrees, whilst some will accept GCSEs, vocational qualifications or relevant work experience. The aim is to ensure that the right specialist is available for every need.
Medical Assistant/GP Assistant
A medical assistant may be a purely clerical role, but sometimes it combines clinical and clerical duties. This may involve noting a patient’s personal details and medical history as well as taking and recording measurements such as blood pressure.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are primary care providers who work alongside doctors and other healthcare professionals. They are particularly involved in developing and managing long-term treatment plans, but they may also help with diagnosis, including ordering laboratory tests and interpreting results.
Nurse
Nurses monitor and communicate with patients, administer medication, and provide support to patients, doctors and other healthcare professionals in a wide variety of ways. Some may have specialisms such as end-of-life care, neonatal care or psychiatric care. Nurse practitioners are also able to prescribe.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are specialists in the storage and provision of medication. They can advise patients, doctors and other medical professionals on appropriate dosage and possible side effects. Clinical pharmacists may be based in GP surgeries.
Other roles may include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nutritionists, psychotherapists, psychologists, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, audiologists, health support workers and more. There needs to be communication and coordination between each role to ensure patients receive the most appropriate and comprehensive care.
