HCPC standards of proficiency for radiographers and the NHS constitution: a mapping exercise

Introduction: Following the Francis, Berwick and Cavendish reports, Values Based Recruitment (VBR) has become a priority for Health Education England (HEE) and the Local Education and Training Boards (LETBs)1,2,3,4 to ensure applicants demonstrate values which align to the NHS Constitution5. In addition to ensuring VBR, HEE4 also require Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to embed the NHS constitution in the curricula. This work sought to determine the feasibility of mapping the HCPC SoPs for Radiographers to the NHS core values, to ascertain whether some values were more overt than others.

Method: Two Radiography academics from different HEIs independently mapped the SoPs to the NHS core values, using an 86 x 6 matrix. Pathway specific standards were excluded.

Results: To determine agreement between academics, percentage agreement and Cohen’s kappa coefficient were computed. Academic A and B agreed values could be demonstrated against specific standards in 481 of 516 instances, 93% agreement. Academic A identified a further five values demonstrated within the standards; Academic B a further 31. Disagreement between academics was noted across all NHS core values, with the largest disagreement pertaining to ‘Working together for patients’ (n=12).Cohen’s kappa indicated a very good agreement between the two academics’ judgements, κ=0.861 (95% CI, 0.82-0.90).

Discussion and Conclusion: This activity aims to support HEIs in developing and supporting students to ensure the safety of service users, and delivery of best quality care. It brings together numerous important drivers and standards to demonstrate more explicitly to service users, students and stakeholders the importance of values in Radiography education. This mapping exercise allows VBR to be considered alongside Values Based Education to ensure the values within the curricula are consistent, which may reduce the likelihood of value incongruence and attrition. It is hoped this exercise would create an opportunity for all HEIs to undertake additional mapping to evidence where each of the core values are embedded within their curriculum and highlight the importance of the service user being at the centre of all we do. This may be of benefit when designing new courses or redesigning curricula with a strong focus on compassionate care.1. R. Francis. Report Of The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry Executive Summary. London: The Stationery Office, 2013.2. D. Berwick. Improving the Safety of Patients in England. London: The Stationery Office, 2013.3. C. Cavendish. An independent review into healthcare assistants and support workers in the NHS and social care settings. London: The Stationery Office, 2013.4. Health Education England. Values Based Recruitment Framework. London: The Stationery Office, 2014.5. A. Power & C. Clews. Values-based recruitment and the NHS Constitution: Making sure student midwives meet the brief. British Journal of Midwifery, 2015, 23 (11).