A new health informatics education resource for all AHPs

The resource aims to improve knowledge and enable better use of data and digital across AHP services, and the CSP are looking for AHPs, students and support workers to help test the resource before it is launched.

We are building on the NHSE funded work from 2023 with Keele University and AHPs' professional bodies in which we created the written content of the modules. 

This next phase has been funded by the CSP Charitable Trust (CSPCT) and we will be partnering with EL Healthcare Education to design the final product, as well as AHP professions to help test the use. 

The final resource will include a series of online education modules that AHPs will have access to via the NHS England Learning Hub. 

This open access resource will be accessible to all AHPs in the UK regardless of where they are based, their employment sector, and experience level. 

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

Ash James, CSP director of practice and development, said: ‘It is critical that the CSP continue its leadership in the digital and informatics sector, first with the Digital and Informatics Physiotherapy Group (DIPG) and the Physiotherapy Health Informatics Strategy (PHIS), so we are delighted to work with AHP colleagues to deliver this much needed resource.’

Matt Liston, CSP head of research and development, said: ‘Members of the physiotherapy profession will recognise it’s part of the wider 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.’

Benefits of online education

Ellie Bates and Lizzie Mills, co-founders, 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 UCLH 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.’

The role of digital in health and social care

The NHS England’s Long Term Plan (2019) identified the need to develop competence, confidence and motivation in the use of digital technology, a focus which is repeated in the digital framework for AHPs in England (2019), the AHP strategy for England (2022) as well as the digital strategies of Northern Ireland (2016), Scotland (2021), and Wales (2022).

James Freed, deputy director of NHS England Digital Academy for Health and Care, added that: ‘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.’

Help test the new resource

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

We would need approximately 10 hours of your time over a three-month period (summer/autumn 2025) for which we will pay you. 

Most of this will be self-directed plus a one-hour online focus group. If you are interested in being part of the testing, then complete this short form and the CSP PHIS team will be in touch with next steps.

The CSP look forward to collaborating with the other professional bodies and their members on this exciting and valuable project.