Many Professions, One Voice: The Role of Language, Recognition and Leadership in Shaping Professional Identity Within the Healthcare Science Professions.

BackgroundProfessional Identity (PI) significantly influences how Healthcare Science (HCS) professionals perceive their roles and contributions within the NHS. Strong PI is closely linked to improved collaboration, resilience and patient care, yet research on PI among HCS professionals has been limited. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate how HCS professionals in NHS Wales perceive their PI and identify factors that shape and support PI. MethodsA mixed-methods approach was employed. 263 participants answered an initial survey and a further 42 participants attended focus groups to discuss attitudes and experiences in greater depth. ResultsKey findings highlight the essential role of professional recognition, the impact of professional bodies, the importance of language and the influence of mentorship and team culture in shaping PI. ConclusionsThe findings support recommendations for enhanced involvement of professional bodies, strategic changes in language and terminology, promotion of professional diversity and the development of robust mentorship and local leadership networks. KEY MESSAGESO_ST_ABSWhat is Already Known on This Topic?C_ST_ABSHealthcare science (HCS) professionals account for approximately 7% of the NHS Wales workforce. These professionals are essential to diagnostic services, patient care, quality management and leadership within the NHS. Previous research has found that professional identity (PI) is closely associated with enhanced job satisfaction, effective interprofessional collaboration, professional resilience and successful career progression. The literature also identifies the positive influence of professional recognition, regulatory structures, mentorship and research activities on PI. However, identity research with HCS professionals is limited, with HCS professionals continuing to experience limited visibility and challenges related to professional status and belonging. What this Study AddsThis study fills a crucial gap in the research on PI among HCS professionals. While previous literature established the general importance of PI for job satisfaction, collaboration, and career progression, identity research specific to HCS professionals has been limited, with many facing challenges around visibility, status and belonging. By addressing the specific experiences and needs of HCS professionals, this research advances understanding of PI beyond broader healthcare contexts and acknowledges the challenges faced by smaller workforce groups who often feel underrepresented and overlooked. How this Study Might Affect Research, Practice or PolicyThe findings of this research offer practical directions for enhancing PI among HCS professionals. Strengthening links with professional bodies, revising language to better reflect the diversity and expertise of HCS roles, and building robust mentorship and leadership structures are likely to improve job satisfaction, multidisciplinary work and patient outcomes. Resulting actions have already been incorporated into the workplan for the national HCS workforce transformation programme (the HCS Programme) in NHS Wales.