Health informatics education resource for AHPs to launch in 2025

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has announced plans to launch a health informatics education resource for allied health professionals (AHPs) in 2025.

The resource, funded by the CSP Charitable Trust (CSPCT), will include a series of online education modules available via the NHS Learning Hub, aimed at improving knowledge and enabling better use of data and digital across AHP services.

Matt Liston, head of research and development at CSP, said: “Members of the physiotherapy profession will recognise it is part of the wider Physiotherapy Health Informatics Strategy (PHIS).

“We’ve worked hard to collaborate with other professions to ensure the modules are as inclusive as possible of different professions, geographical location, employment sector, and experience, and are accessible for all members of our professions.

“With our partners at EL Healthcare Education, we look forward to leading the design and launch of the resource for our members and for all other AHPs.”

It will build on work, funded by NHSE, from 2023 with Keele University and AHPs’ professional bodies in which CSP created the written content of the modules.

CSP will partner with EL Healthcare Foundation to design the final product.

Ellie Bates and Lizzie Mills, cofounders of EL Healthcare Education, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the CSP to co-design and deliver this essential resource for AHPs.

“At EL Healthcare Education, we’re passionate about creating online learning that’s practical, engaging, and grounded in real clinical practice.

“Our team has developed courses such as ‘AI Essentials for Healthcare Professionals’ and worked with organisations including University College London Hospitals and NHS trusts to support healthcare professionals in building confidence with emerging technologies.

“Accessible, well-designed online learning has the power to transform not only knowledge, but confidence and practice.

“We’re excited to bring our experience to this project—designing learning that makes data and digital feel accessible, not overwhelming, and that reflects the realities of working life across AHP roles.”

Learners can expect evidence-based, bite-sized learning aimed at those new to informatics, including personas to guide initial interaction and reflective activities to consolidate their learning through the resource.

James Freed, deputy director of NHS Digital Academy for Health and Care, said: ‘We know that the healthcare workforce digital competence is not equitable and not comparable with other sectors. 

“With digital being increasingly part of the delivery of high-quality health and social care services, it is essential that we equip our workforce with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to improve services.

“At the NHS Digital Academy, we will be delighted to host this valuable resource which will give all AHPs the introductory skills to best utilise informatics in the delivery of their services.”

As part of the design process, CSP is looking for 20 AHPs, students and support workers throughout the UK to test the resource.

If you are interested in being part of the testing, you can apply here.