Safe, Quality Assured Vascular Science Services

Details

Title

Safe, Quality Assured Vascular Science Services

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPS128

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of the this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to demonstrate their active contribution to work based quality management activities that underpin safe, quality assured services in vascular science. They will apply their expert knowledge with respect to health and safety legislation and guidance both locally and nationally in order to practise safely in a laboratory, clinical or other settings and advise on safe practice. The Clinical Scientist in HSST will also be expected to lead, implement, monitor and improve quality assurance processes, perform risk assessments and develop, refine and evaluate health and safety precautions relating to patient testing and management. They will consistently demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist. 

The knowledge, skills and experience gained by meeting the learning outcomes of this module will underpin practice throughout this HSST programme and in all future work roles.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will analyse, synthesise, evaluate and critically apply their knowledge including: 

Quality Management

• the principles and practice of quality control, external quality assessment and quality management as applied to relevant areas of healthcare science.
• the Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) accreditation programme including the:
  • background
  • four domains (patient experience; facilities, resources and workforce; safety and clinical)
  • standards
  • process
• the role of audit and the audit cycle and its use as a tool to facilitate continuous quality improvement.

Health and Safety

• health and safety legislation and guidance for the workplace, current regulations include:
  • Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (2002)
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
  • Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidance
  • Medical Devices Regulations (2002)
  • Prevention and control of healthcare-associate infections NICE guideline (2011)
  • The Human Medicines Regulations (2012)
  • Safe disposal of clinical waste (1999) guidance.
  • The Safe Use of Ultrasound in Medical Diagnosis 3rd Ed 2012, BIR.
  • AIUM (2008) Bioeffects consensus Report UMB.
  • Quality Assurance of Ultrasound (2010): Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM)
• Laser safety guidelines for Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT).

Footnote: Clinical Scientists in HSST will need to keep-up-to date as new or revised legislation that is introduced following the publication of this curriculum.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance of a range of technical skills. They will perform risk assessments using a range of risk assessment tools including risk matrices when required for all investigations and procedures relating to both diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients and will:

Quality Management

• evaluate current ultrasound quality assurance protocols and update departmental ultrasound equipment quality assurance programmes.
• evaluate and use information and communication technology to improve service quality and delivery

Health and Safety

• promote the importance of health and safety standards in the workplace.
• identify and justify actions that will improve health and safety
• ensure regular electrical safety testing is performed on equipment used within the department.
• evaluate current guidance of appropriate cleaning methods of equipment to ensure good infection control while protecting delicate transducers etc.
• ensure colleagues are aware of and implement Ultrasound Safety guidance (e.g. British Medical Ultrasound Society).
• listen, influence and lead continuous quality improvement in scientific services.

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to perform a range of clinical skills contributing to quality management processes and promoting a safe working environment and will:

Quality Management

• set, apply and maintain quality standards and related quality control, assessment and management techniques to assure the validity of scientific and technical investigations.
• implement and monitor systems to ensure the privacy, dignity, comfort and security of patients are respected.
• assess and manage the risks associated with the clinical service.

Health and Safety

• actively contribute to services to ensure they are safe, effective and accessible.
• implement and monitor systems to identify and manage the risks associated with hazardous materials.
• ensure cleaning protocols are understood by other members of the team and are adhered to.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module, the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to evaluate their own responses to both normal and complex situations. They will be expected to consistently demonstrate the professional attributes and insights required of a Consultant Clinical Scientist working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• show respect and behave in accordance with Good Scientific Practice.
• influence, lead and support staff in the department/organisation to create a culture that recognises the importance of quality and quality improvement in the delivery of vascular scientific services.
• create a culture of health and safety awareness, identification and resolution of issues, and modification of systems to enhance health and safety.
• review and report on health and safety issues, sharing good practice with individuals, the team and wider organisation.