There are a number of sociological, demographic, technological and policy trends influencing the shape of health care sector and workforce.  Future drivers in the sector are focused on:

• a patient-centred approach which involves organising services around patients rather than functions
• a more explicit focus on public health emphasising prevention of ill health and supporting for healthier lifestyles
• transforming health systems influencing health care planning and delivery
• health care delivery and the adoption of more team based approaches, reflecting more multi-professional and multi-disciplinary working 
• increasing expectations from government and the public about service quality, access and convenience
• changing demographics, such as an ageing population in the economy and in the health care workforce
• technological changes that influence new care techniques and roles due to earlier diagnosis and improved management of conditions
• workforce pay and career modernisation
• building the capacity of, and opportunities for, the workforce to work more flexibly to deliver step changes in the quality, cost and accessibility of services

UK reforms and improvement of the delivery and quality of health care services are accompanied by a range of workforce policy developments, including:

• strategies to attract people to join, or return to, health and related careers through a wider range of entry routes and qualification pathways
• the removal of barriers preventing those with potential to progress their careers and gain appropriate competences and qualifications
• UK-wide pay and reward strategy incentives
• the development of a workforce profile more representative of health and social care communities
• better partnership between employers, education commissioners and providers of skills development in planning for workforce skills and productivity

Source: Skills for Health 2006