Working in health access programme (WHAP): initial results
Mary Ann Lumsden1, Keith Millar, Mike Osborne
1Section of Reproductive and Maternal Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. M.A.Lumsden@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Medical Education
|March 15, 2008
Summary
Psychometric tests can identify potential health professionals regardless of social class, offering a fairer way to widen access to medical careers. This approach helps identify talent in all socioeconomic groups.
Area of Science:
- Health Professions Education
- Socioeconomic Determinants of Health
- Psychometric Assessment
Background:
- Academic achievement and social class are linked, with medical school admissions showing a bias towards middle-class applicants.
- A class-free assessment measure could identify potential health professionals and broaden the applicant pool.
- The Working in Health Access Programme (WHAP) explored the utility of such a measure and an awareness program for healthcare careers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a class-free psychometric assessment in identifying potential health professionals.
- To describe a program aimed at increasing awareness of higher education and healthcare careers among students from low participation areas.
Main Methods:
- Administered psychometric tests measuring cognitive and non-cognitive skills to 2349 pupils from schools with low higher education participation rates.
- 1000 pupils participated in subsequent activities, and their progress is being followed, including Standard Grade (Year 11) examination results.
Main Results:
- Social class influenced cognitive skills but not non-cognitive abilities.
- High cognitive ability was observed across all socioeconomic classes, including deprived groups.
- Both the psychometric testing and the awareness-raising program were successful in their objectives.
Conclusions:
- Psychometric assessment can serve as an early indicator of potential in young individuals for health professions.
- Identifying pupils with strong cognitive and non-cognitive attributes allows for targeted advice on subject choices and career paths in medicine and veterinary science.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:28International Nursing Organizations II
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations based in Geneva. The WHO has many initiatives that center around health. Primarily, they lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage using science-based policies and programs. They are also responsible for shaping health research agendas and developing norms and standards.
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
01:19Purpose of Health Records II
Health records serve various essential purposes in the healthcare system. Here are some key purposes: