Emerging health professions and future-proof skillsets for health professionals: a qualitative study

Abstract

Title: Emerging health professions and future-proof skillsets for health professionals: a qualitative study

Background: Healthcare systems around the world are facing urgent and continuous challenges. In parallel with the challenges outlined above, rapid advancement in biomedical research and technologies also bring possible novel solutions. It is in this context that future healthcare needs and emerging health professions need to be considered.

Aims: This research paper aims to identify emerging health professions and future-proof skillsets for health professionals from the perspectives of healthcare leaders.

Methods: A qualitative study employing online interviews and grounded theory methodology to identify emergent themes. 17 healthcare leaders from four countries participated in this study.

Results: Study participants identified five emerging health professions: eHealth specialist; biomedical informatician; wellbeing coach; multidisciplinary health specialist; and community health navigator. Eight key skillsets common to all healthcare professions were identified, including: digital and data health literacy; health system knowledge; genomic literacy; health finance literacy; innovation and entrepreneurship; teamwork; communication; and problem-solving.

Conclusions: This study provides essential groundwork for healthcare leaders to map out training needs for the health workforce of the future. Further research as well as consultation with governments, healthcare providers and educational institutions is needed to help identify optimal health professional training pathways that align with future health care needs, both nationally and globally