A strategic approach to sustainable growth of the psychological professions’ workforce in physical healthcare

Bhutani, Gita; Jenkinson, Elizabeth; Kalsy-Lillico, Sunny; Moore, Estelle

Abstract

Psychological practice in physical healthcare results in better recovery and outcomes for patients/service users and
their families and/or carers. Therefore, psychological professionals working in physical and integrated healthcare
are ideally placed to make a significant impact on health and wellbeing outcomes and prevention of future disease.
This is not yet reflected in health care strategic delivery, with psychological practice within physical health care often
reliant on time-limited funding and subject to regional variation in commissioning. This paper outlines the key
issues and presents the case for change. This includes recommendations for education, supervision, leadership and
outcomes measurement to support a more comprehensive approach to psychological practice, and the sustainable
growth of the psychological professions’ workforce in physical healthcare.
Keywords: Psychological Practice, Physical Healthcare, Workforce expansion.

• Journal Article Type: Commentary
• Acceptance Date: Feb 1, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Apr 1, 2024
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 16, 2024
• Journal: Clinical Psychology Forum
• Print ISSN: 1757-2142
• Publisher: The British Psychological Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Issue: 375
• Pages: 53-59
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11997783