Training activity information
Details
Carry out a gap analysis of departmental Employer’s Procedures against the content of IRMER legislation
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
- IRMER requirements and guidance
- ARSAC requirements and guidance
- Responsibilities
- Governance
- Justification and optimisation
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
- What are the key areas of IRMER that must be covered in your departmental procedures? Which of these do you want to focus on to better understand how discrepancies are identified?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the practical application of IRMER and the structure of your Employer’s Procedures through this activity?
- Thinking about what you already know about IRMER legislation and local procedures, where do you feel your knowledge is strongest, and what potential gaps have you identified that require further focus during this activity?
- Have you discussed the training activity with your training officer to ensure you have a clarity of understanding regarding the scope, the correct version of the legislation to use, and the expected format of the gap analysis?
- What possible challenges might you face when interpreting unclear sections of the legislation or procedures, and how have you planned to handle these—for instance, by consulting with specific colleagues?
- How would you describe your initial feelings about embarking on this training activity? How might these influence your approach to preparation?
In action
- Pay attention to your actions.
- How are you approaching the gap analysis? Why are you doing it this way?
- What decisions are you making as you compare the departmental procedures with the IRMER legislation?
- What aspects of identifying the gaps feel intuitive based on your understanding of IRMER, and what requires more conscious effort in interpretation?
- How effective are your methods for identifying discrepancies between the procedures and the legislation?
- What challenges are you facing in understanding specific parts of the IRMER legislation or the departmental procedures?
- What can you learn about the structure and content of both types of documents as you undertake this analysis?
- How does this activity connect to your existing knowledge of regulatory frameworks?
- Are there alternative ways you could be comparing the documents (e.g., focusing on specific sections, using a checklist)?
- What support or guidance might you need in the moment if you encounter ambiguities in either the legislation or the procedures?
On action
- What were the key areas of the departmental employer’s procedures that you analysed?
- What specific aspects of the IRMER legislation did you focus on during the gap analysis?
- What similarities or differences did you observe between the departmental procedures and the IRMER legislation?
- Were there any areas where the departmental procedures were particularly comprehensive or lacking in detail compared to IRMER?
- Did any specific clauses or requirements of IRMER stand out during your analysis?
- What did you learn about the specific requirements of the IRMER legislation through this gap analysis?
- How did this activity enhance your understanding of how regulatory frameworks like IRMER are implemented at a departmental level?
- Did you identify any potential areas of non-compliance or areas for improvement in the departmental employer’s procedures?
- What did you learn about the process of conducting a gap analysis?
- How does ensuring adherence to IRMER contribute to safety in the Nuclear Medicine environment?
- How will this understanding of IRMER and the departmental procedures influence your future practice?
- What actions do you think should be taken based on the findings of your gap analysis?
- How might you contribute to ensuring ongoing compliance with IRMER in your workplace?
- What further support or resources might you need to deepen your understanding of regulatory frameworks?
Beyond action
- Have you revisited your initial reflections and the gap analysis document to evaluate if your understanding of IRMER and its practical application within the department has evolved since completing this activity?
- Have you compared your findings with subsequent audits or procedural changes, and has engaging in discussion with peers or your training officer changed your perspective on the process or results?
- How has conducting this analysis influenced your approach to ensuring compliance in your daily tasks, and can you identify specific instances where this understanding has informed your actions or decisions?
- To what extent has this experience enhanced your ability to critically evaluate departmental procedures and identify areas for improvement regarding patient safety and regulatory compliance?
- How has this foundational understanding of IRMER prepared you for observed ‘in-person’ assessments (such as Case-based Discussions or OCEs) related to patient safety and regulatory compliance?
- What transferable skills did you develop in this training activity? How will these and your understanding of the auditing process contribute to your ability to lead or participate in future quality improvement initiatives?
- What clear actions for continued development in the understanding and application of IRMER have you identified as a result of this activity and your subsequent clinical experiences?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Interpret, apply and audit adherence to the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations (IRMER) and related guidance in the Nuclear Medicine environment. |