Next steps for the psychological workforce in NHS Scotland

Abstract

Glasgow Kelvingrove MuseumIn recent years very significant progress in expanding the Scottish NHS psychology and psychological therapies workforce has been achieved. This has been because of additional investment to increase training places in clinical psychology and the development of newer psychology roles, alongside upskilling the wider multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral workforce in psychological care. The influence and profile of psychology has never been higher. The rapid and flexible response of psychologists during the pandemic in adapting the delivery of clinical services and responding to the psychological needs of the workforce helped establish the profession as a valued partner in joint problem solving for service and policy leaders. The appointment of a Psychology Advisor to Scottish Government and the publication of the new Mental Health Strategy, along with the updated Matrix Guidance for the delivery of Psychological Therapies, and the revised Psychological Therapies access standard all show the growing influence of psychology. To build on this progress psychologists need to embrace their roles in clinical leadership but also in thinking about whole system design to improve access to evidence based psychological therapies and interventions for our population. This will include continuing to support the development of multidisciplinary approaches to the delivery of psychological practice, developing new roles and extended roles through involvement with training, supervision and governance. Ensuring effective collaboration with people with lived experience will be a key action along with continuing to develop the evidence base. Supporting the development of national data reporting systems including outcome measures will help drive further improvement.