Cambridge highlights need to bridge English skill gap for healthcare workforce
at EbekMed Summit
The summit, themed “Redefining Nurse Talent Acquisition and Retention,” brought together industry leaders to address the growing workforce crisis in healthcare
Chennai, December 4, 2024: With a global shortage of nurses posing a significant threat to healthcare systems, there is a pressing need for strategic intervention. India alone faces a shortage of over 2 million nurses, reflecting a critical gap in healthcare staffing. Cambridge University Press & Assessment addressed this challenge, emphasising on the need for immediate action to bridge the gap at the 2nd edition of the EbekMed Workforce Summit for Nurses. Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu graced the event along with Arun Rajamani, Managing Director, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, Arun TK, Cambridge’s Head of Combined English, South Asia and Mr Sreekanthan Gobalakrishnan, Managing Director, EbekMed.
The global nursing shortage is a looming crisis, with the WHO estimates a shortage of 4.5 million nurses by the year 2030. While the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant catalyst that aggravated the situation, there are countless factors contributing to this issue. Two urgent issues that stand out are the ongoing communication breakdown and the skills scarcity that India’s nursing sector is experiencing. Moving beyond short-term staffing solutions is crucial. It is essential to cultivate a resilient nursing workforce by addressing chronic challenges like attrition and talent shortages.
In his Presidential address, Arun Rajamani, Managing Director at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia emphasised, “Despite substantial global investments in healthcare, the 2024 Ipsos survey found that less than half of respondents were satisfied with their healthcare experience, with over two-thirds acknowledging overstretched systems and 44% identifying mental health challenges as the top concern. We can attribute these issues to two key problems — the severe shortage of nurses and the lack of adequately skilled talent within the healthcare system. So we need to look at improving training, working conditions, and mental health support for our nurses.”
Effective communication skills and a strong proficiency of the English language are crucial in today’s hypercompetitive global landscape. Research shows that around 80% of significant medical errors are caused by inadequate communication, especially during patient handoffs. This emphasises how urgently better communication is needed. As many as 100 delegates attended the summit and the audience comprised of representatives from Fortis Healthcare, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Gleneagles, Continental Hospital, Kauvery Hospital, MGM Hospital, Chettinad College of Nursing, Alagappa College of Nursing, to name a few.
While moderating a session on ‘Healthcare English Training: A strategic Lever from Talent Acquisition to Retention’, Arunachalam TK, Cambridge’s Head of Combined English, South Asia, mentioned, “Thriving in today’s world, demands strong English communication skills regardless of the profession. In healthcare too, English language proficiency is crucial and an essential component for both recruitment and retention. Additionally, we also need infrastructure and tools to measure not only language but also clinical and behavioural skills like teamwork which is vital for improving the overall workforce quality.” The panel featured experts including Peter Rodway, Director, SLC, UK, Amit Upadhyay, Regional Director, OET, Dr Shyamala Kumar, Chief of Nursing, Yashoda Hospital, Manashi Bhaskar, Chief Nursing Superintendent, Peerless Hospitals, Dr Seethalakshmi, Professor and HOD, Department of Nursing foundation, SRMC CON, and Prof Sunitha PC, Principal, JDT Islam College of Nursing.
The summit also witnessed speeches during the plenary session led by other prominent industry experts like Mr. Roy K George, President of the Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI), Dr. Latha Venkatesan, Principal of the College of Nursing at AIIMS New Delhi, and Dr Jogendra Sharma, Vice President, Indian Nursing Council.
Cambridge offers various resources for healthcare professionals, focusing on enhancing English language proficiency and communication skills for global healthcare landscape. The pioneering Occupational English Test (OET) stands as the premier English language testing platform for healthcare professionals worldwide. The test thoroughly evaluates reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities for 12 healthcare occupations. Developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, the test replicates actual healthcare situations and includes specialised medical vocabulary ensuring relevance and accuracy for global healthcare careers.
About Cambridge
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is a world-leading academic publisher and assessment organisation, and part of the University of Cambridge. With Cambridge English, we are involved in developing and producing the most valuable range of qualifications for learners as well as teachers of English, worldwide. Over 5 million Cambridge English exams are taken each year in more than 130 countries and more than 20,000 universities, employers, government ministries and other organisations rely on Cambridge English exams and qualifications as proof of English language ability. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.
For more info: https://www.cambridge.org/
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Recruiting nurses remain a major hurdle to hospital bed expansion | News – Business Standard (business-standard.com)
