Sarah Lewis is the Apprenticeship Engagement Lead at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, where she fosters growth opportunities for existing staff and integrates new talent through apprenticeships.
She has also been a learner on the Imperial and Corndel Data-Driven Professional Level 3 programme, uniquely positioning her to comment on the impact data apprenticeships can have in healthcare.
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, data literacy and leadership development are paramount. Effective data use allows healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, streamline patient care, and enhance operational efficiency.
While leadership skills embed the strategic acumen and resilience required to navigate modern healthcare complexities. Sarah's experiences highlight the synergy between data proficiency and leadership capabilities, demonstrating their necessity for a robust and innovative healthcare system.
Fusing human and technical skills in healthcare
In the complex world of healthcare, integrating human and technical skills is vital for improving efficiencies and patient care. Sarah exemplifies this approach in her role at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust. She focuses on staff development and bringing in new talent, ensuring the workforce is continually evolving.
"I look at opportunities for our staff to go through some personal development utilising apprenticeships, and we also bring in emerging talent using apprenticeships," Sarah explains. By offering apprenticeships, healthcare organisations can provide a pathway for individuals at various career stages to enhance their skills and contribute effectively.
Central to this strategy is the leadership pathway Sarah is helping to build. "We're working through a leadership pathway, from aspiring managers to strategic leaders," she says. This structured programme supports career progression, equipping staff with leadership skills to navigate healthcare management complexities and ensuring a steady pipeline of capable leaders.
Recognising the growing importance of data in healthcare, Sarah has also initiated a data pathway. "We're beginning to implement a data pathway, from early career stages working with spreadsheets to advanced analytics and data visualisations," she shares. This initiative aims to enhance data literacy among clinical staff, enabling better decision-making and improved patient outcomes.
Transforming perceptions about data apprenticeships in healthcare
"Sometimes there's a block when people hear the word 'apprenticeship'. People think I'm not 16, I don't want to start from the bottom. That couldn't be further from the truth,"
Sarah also addresses misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships, suggesting that "Sometimes there's a block when people hear the word 'apprenticeship'. People think I'm not 16; I don't want to start from the bottom. That couldn't be further from the truth," she says. Sarah emphasises that apprenticeships are valuable for professionals at any career stage, not just young people starting out.
"Before my Level 3 Apprenticeship with Corndel, I thought I didn't work in analysis or with numbers. Data is not just numbers; it's storytelling. It's planning for the future." Understanding that data can be a tool for crafting narratives that drive strategic decisions and improve patient care shifts the focus from intimidating data analysis to practical applications.
By transforming perceptions about data apprenticeships in healthcare, data literacy can become integral to the foundations of excellent patient care. This cultural shift is happening across industries and sectors, and it will require healthcare professionals to use digital tools to navigate and excel in an increasingly data-driven world.
Becoming data-driven in decision-making
"Data is almost an ally; you can add it to your armour and use it to persuade and educate. I present compelling information using data, making my proposals more persuasive and impactful."
Sarah's journey towards data-driven decision-making has been transformative for her role at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, resulting in a promotion while on her programme.
She views data as a critical tool in her professional arsenal. "Data is almost an ally; you can add it to your armour and use it to persuade and educate. I present compelling information using data, making my proposals more persuasive and impactful."
By leveraging data in strategic conversations, Sarah ensures accurate data sources inform her arguments.
The inclusion of qualitative data in her analyses has also been pivotal. "Qualitative data can review services or explore other avenues for providing exceptional service." This approach allows Sarah to provide a holistic view, combining numerical data with qualitative insights to identify areas for improvement and enhance service delivery within the NHS.
Sarah's skillset has expanded significantly through targeted upskilling. "There was a lot of upskilling, like learning pivot tables to improve data quality," she notes. Advanced Excel functions have improved her ability to manage and analyse large datasets efficiently, providing more precise insights and more robust conclusions.
Reflecting on her development, Sarah acknowledges the initial gaps in her technical abilities. "My experience with Excel was basic. The course enhanced my Excel capabilities; now I understand how to use formulas, which ensures my insights are accurate and trustworthy." This progression has empowered her to transform raw data into actionable business intelligence.
Through these developments, Sarah's ability to blend quantitative and qualitative data and advanced technical skills position her as a key figure in driving data-informed strategies that improve patient care and operational efficiency.
The role of one-to-one coaching and Imperial College London
"Having someone from the industry with historical background skills... they can take the dashboard and show you improvements."
A pivotal aspect of Sarah's development has been the one-to-one coaching she received while on the programme. This personalised guidance was instrumental in enhancing her learning and applying new skills. "Having someone from the industry with historical background skills... they can take the dashboard and show you improvements." This hands-on approach allowed Sarah to directly apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, accelerating her proficiency with data tools and techniques.
The tailored coaching sessions provided expert insights and problem-solving strategies Sarah could implement immediately. This mentorship refined her technical skills and boosted her confidence in using data for informed decisions.
The academic prestige of Imperial College London
Adding to the programme's value is Corndel’s partnership with Imperial College London – ranked the second-best University globally (QS 2024). This partnership brings significant prestige and cutting-edge standards to the training. "The association with Imperial sets the scene for high expectations, providing a rigorous and impactful learning experience." This affiliation ensured the curriculum was of the highest quality, blending academic excellence with practical relevance.
A data-driven healthcare system
Looking ahead, the ongoing development of data pathways and leadership programmes promises to enhance healthcare professionals' capabilities within the NHS. Sarah is poised to continue leveraging her skills to drive improvements in patient care and operational efficiency. Her role will likely expand to include mentoring others in data literacy, ensuring the next generation of healthcare leaders is well-equipped for a data-centric world.
The sustained impact of these programmes will be seen in improved decision-making processes and strategic initiatives within the NHS. As Sarah continues to advocate for and implement data-driven strategies, her work will contribute to a more efficient, responsive, and patient-focused healthcare system. The foundation laid by her training and development sets a promising trajectory for future advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in the professional growth of healthcare staff.
Sarah's journey through the Imperial and Corndel Data-Driven Professional Level 3 apprenticeship programme has been transformative, highlighting the critical need for data literacy and robust leadership within the healthcare sector. As the NHS continues to evolve, the insights and skills gained from such programmes will be indispensable in navigating the complexities of the modern healthcare landscape. Through her efforts, Sarah is helping build a resilient healthcare system that thrives on data-driven insights.