Edinburgh Napier University

  Introduction: Integration of health and social care services in Scotland has been described as being the most significant change to health and social care provision since 1948 (Scottish Government, 2018). With a greater emphasis on joining up services and focusing on anticipatory and preventative care, integration aims to improve support for all people who use services, their families and carers: placing the person at the centre. Allied health professionals specifically Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy and Social Work play a key role in taking forward change through innovative thinking, leadership and delivering services in partnership. A shift in education model for these disciplines is necessary to prepare the next generation for careers in health and social care.
This paper will report on the development of integrated Masters Allied Health and Social Work programmes at Edinburgh Napier University mirroring this shift in professional practice. Curricula development places collaboration between disciplines as the norm, whilst professional identity is to the fore. This will lead to a new kind of professional entering the workforce, prepared for the changing face of practice and equipped with the skills to build relationships to make an impact for individuals, families and communities.
Objectives:
1. To present the philosophy of the new MSc programme.
2. To outline our approach to evaluation including all key stakeholders perspectives both through the 2 year programme and the transition into the workplace.
Practice Implications: Findings will be captured through a range of data collection methods over different time points and shared with practice educators and the wider health and social care community. To conclude, this paper will present the initial findings from this longitudinal study.