ABSTRACT
Healthcare systems and education are closely linked. A change in one will inevitably bring about change in the other. Significant events or inquiries into healthcare systems can initiate change within both clinical and educational structures. This chapter demonstrates how changing healthcare services changes learning needs, and how these needs can be met through inter-professional learning, continuing professional development and the development of appropriate education and training programmes. Changing approaches to developing healthcare services involves learning more about 'health needs assessment', and requires knowledge about the differences and interrelationships between 'need', 'demand' and 'supply'. Working in partnerships with a wide range of healthcare disciplines requires learning about the roles, responsibilities and capabilities of other professionals. Inter-professional education has been internationally advocated to improve the way that multi-professional teams work together. Practice- or unit-based personal development plans encompass the needs of the individual, the practice, the local healthcare organisation and the healthcare system in general.
