Training activity information

Details

Complete an audit of compliance against an element of AORD, and write a report and make recommendations

Type

Developmental training activity (DTA)

Evidence requirements

Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.

Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.

An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.

Considerations

  • Local and national guidance/legislation
  • Local frameworks of radiation protection, including policies and practice
  • Report recommendations

Reflective practice guidance

The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.

Before action

  • Consider the specific element of AORD (Administration of Radioactive Substances Order 2018) you will be auditing.
    • What are the key components of a successful audit and a useful report with actionable recommendations?
    • What are the specific legal requirements of the chosen aspect of AORD?
    • What local procedures and protocols are in place to ensure compliance with this element of AORD (e.g., relating to administration, storage, disposal of radioactive substances)?
    • Where can you find the necessary records and documentation for the audit (e.g., patient records, stock inventories)?
    • Do you understand the regulatory framework surrounding the administration of radioactive substances?
  • How will this activity deepen your understanding of AORD and its implications in practice?
    • What auditing and report writing skills specific to the use of radioactive substances will you develop?
    • Will you gain a better appreciation of the multi-disciplinary approach required for compliance with AORD?
  • Discuss the selected element of AORD and the audit methodology with your training officer.
    • Carefully review the relevant parts of the AORD legislation and any relevant guidance.
    • Identify and review local protocols, records, and procedures related to the administration of radioactive substances.
    • Consider potential points of vulnerability in the compliance process.
    • Do you feel adequately knowledgeable about AORD to conduct this audit effectively?
    • Are you anticipating any challenges in accessing sensitive information or understanding complex procedures?

In action

  • Pay attention to how you are carrying out the audit related to AORD (Administration of Radioactive Substances (Premises) Regulations).
    • What specific aspect of AORD are you examining?
    • What methods are you using to assess compliance (e.g., review of licences, procedures, waste disposal)?
    • What judgements are you making about whether the observed practices and documentation align with AORD requirements? What are your reference points?
    • What aspects of checking AORD compliance are becoming clearer as you progress, and what still requires careful thought and reference to the regulations?
  • How effective are your audit methods in determining the level of compliance with the chosen element of AORD? Are you finding the necessary evidence?
    • What obstacles are you encountering during the AORD audit?
    • Are there complexities in the regulations or in accessing the relevant information within the organisation?
    • What are you learning about how AORD is put into practice within the workplace as you conduct the audit?
    • Are there any surprises or areas of good practice?
    • How does this AORD audit contribute to your understanding of the regulatory framework for the administration of radioactive substances and its importance for safety and environmental protection?
  • If you are uncertain about the interpretation of a particular AORD regulation, are there avenues for seeking clarification or expert opinion while you are conducting the audit?
    • What immediate support or guidance might you need if you uncover a potential breach of AORD regulations?
    • Are you ensuring that your audit scope is appropriate for your current stage of training and focused on the selected element of AORD?

On action

  • Which specific element of AORD did you audit against?
    • What were the key findings of your audit regarding compliance?
    • What evidence did you gather to support your observations?
    • What challenges did you encounter during the audit process?
    • What were the main points you included in your audit report?
    • What recommendations did you make based on your findings?
  • How is an audit process used to assess compliance with radiation protection legislation?
    • What are the key considerations when auditing against AORD?
    • How do you formulate advice and recommendations based on audit findings?
    • What level of detail and evidence is required in an audit report?
  • How will this experience inform your approach to future audits or compliance checks?
    • What skills did you develop or improve in terms of audit methodology and report writing?
    • How will you ensure that your recommendations are practical and contribute to improved practice?

Beyond action

  • Have you reviewed the audit you conducted against the element of AORD and the report and recommendations you produced?
    • Have you had opportunities to see if your recommendations were implemented or discussed further within the department?
    • How does this AORD audit experience compare with the IRR and IRMER audits and any other audit activities you have undertaken?
  • How has conducting this audit enhanced your understanding of the practical application of AORD?
    • Did the process of auditing against AORD highlight any specific aspects of patient safety or equipment quality assurance that you now consider more carefully?
    • Has this training activity improved your understanding of the regulatory requirements related to the use of medical devices and associated radiation risks?
  • How will the skills you developed in auditing against AORD be useful in future assessments of new equipment or techniques?
    • Will your understanding of AORD gained through this process be valuable in future roles or responsibilities involving the quality and safety of medical devices using radiation?
    • How might this experience contribute to your ability to participate in or lead future audits related to medical devices and their use?

Relevant learning outcomes

# Outcome
# 3 Outcome

Perform audits against legislation and make recommendations to improve practice.

# 4 Outcome

Formulate advice on compliance with aspects of legislation.