Structure of the Framework

Structure of framework

The framework is structured to define the knowledge and skills required by practitioners working in neurology services within the clinical practice pillar at career levels 5, 6 and 7. The NMAHP Development Framework should be used to consider the facilitating learning, leadership, and evidence, research, and development pillars at levels 5, 6 and 7.

Supporting materials include: the background to these emerging services; guidance on the use of the framework; explanations of the pillars of practice and career levels; role descriptors; knowledge and skills for each level; recording learning and educational resources.

Pillars of practice

The framework focuses on the clinical pillar of practice however all pillars should be considered (figure 1).

These are:

• Clinical Practice: the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to provide high quality healthcare that is safe, effective and person centred.
• Facilitating Learning: the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to enable effective learning in the workplace.
• Leadership: the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to lead and to fulfil management responsibilities.
• Evidence, Research and Development: the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to use evidence to inform practice and improve services.

Figure 1: Pillars of Practice

Further explanation of the pillars of practice is available within the NMAHP development framework.

Levels of practice

The framework recognises how complex healthcare practitioner's roles have become and helps to explain the difference in expectations and learning at different levels. These levels are described in the Career Framework for Health which reflects role development and progression. These levels are not the same bands in Agenda for Change, which are related to remuneration. It also reflects the education and career development pathways model set out in the Transforming Roles programme.

This framework will focus on levels 5, 6 and 7.

These levels of practice are:

• Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW)
• Level 3 Senior HCSW
• Level 4 Assistant Practitioner
• Level 5 Practitioner
• Level 6 Senior Practitioner
• Level 7 Advanced Practitioner
• Level 8 Consultant Practitioner

Further explanation of the levels of practice is available within the NMAHP development framework.

Related frameworks

The structure of this framework builds upon the NMAHP Development Framework to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required by practitioners working in Cardiology services.

NHS Scotland’s Values

Throughout this framework, the core values shared across Scotland’s Health Service will be embedded. The core values include:

• care and compassion
• dignity and respect
• openness, honesty, and responsibility
• quality and teamwork

(Scottish Government, 2013)

Equality and health inequalities statement

We are firmly committed to improving population health, reducing health inequalities, and working nationally and locally with partners to make a positive and lasting impact to improving the wellbeing of the people of Scotland.

Promoting equality and addressing health inequalities are at the heart of delivering effective and high-quality care. Throughout the development of this framework, the three parts of the

Public Sector Equality Duty have been considered:

1. eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct that is prohibited by or under the Equality Act 2010;
2. advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it; and
3. foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it.