How do I demonstrate competency?

quotepic 

Experiential learning is essential for these skills. On the day and now afterwards you can use your VeinTrain Simulator Unit.

You will practice throughout the study day on the simulation equipment as well as palpation on each other so at the end of the day you will be well prepared to return to your clinical area to practice under supervision with patients. You will take your Structured Learning Programme away with you and use it as a passport to practice. It will take you from novice to expert using a simple and clear process. Theoretical knowledge is documented and all supervised practices are recorded by any competent practitioner in your clinical area. Once you are ready, a practitioner competent in these skills will do a final assessment with you. Ultimately you will have a clear record of your learning that you can use to demonstrate competence and use the same document when refreshing your skills or moving organisations.  On Some courses we are offering extra services according to needs including  - Objective Structured Analysis via video feedback - you see for yourself your needle movenent and we can even offer you a simuliation OSCE or you can take home your video.   Take your video, booklet and VeinTrain Vein and show your new hospital all you know on their equipment and find out what they do with unqiue equipment and patients using the VeinTrain Vein!

 You will also use our VeinTrain Vein  - So you and your fellow delegates will all be learning at once all day.  These are available to purchase on the day if you feel you would like to continue what we have taught you.  Skills is all about practice.  You can even follow our live webinars later if you have forgotten something or send us some film and we can analyse it for you!  

The VeinTrain Structured Learning Programme has been used by NHS Trusts, ICS teams, private hospitals and universities across the UK and internationally as a structured record of supervised competency development. All learners who complete the booklet have their learning documented clearly including theory to practice. This method meets all the professional bodies' competency requirements. It also is learner focussed and considers organisational process. Most importantly it ensures the patient is safe from learning to competent and better still encourages a higher level of practice following competency achievement.

 All our courses provide these booklets free of charge.  SEE the booklet here with Mary Collins talking you through how it is used and what it achieves. 

 

 

Why do I need to demonstrate competency?

Solid Robust training and competency that is achieved in a timely manner that suits you and your patients, where you can explain your actions.  

What is the need to demonstrate competency  

 

It cannot be achieved on one day.  It takes time to develop your skill and gain competence. 

 

Venepuncture and cannulation are two commonly practiced invasive procedures in the hospital and community setting that have remained unchanged despite technological developments of the past decades. These are not complex procedures, however there are a number of factors that contribute to correctly performing them, presented by the authors in this book. The wide variety of clinicians offering these skills to their patients is welcome and makes the most of the talent in the NHS, while offering patients choice and an efficient service. However, such diversity risks different types of practices evolving. It is therefore essential that a clear, concise yet informative text is available for clinicians to lead forward best practice in the most appropriate and informative way. 

 

 Forward in Phillips et al (2011)

 

Professor Lord Darzi PC, KBE, FMedSci, HonFREng

Professor Darzi holds the Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery at Imperial College London where he is Head of Division of Surgery. He is inter- nationally respected for his innovative work in the advancement of minimal invasive surgery and the development and use of allied tech- nologies. Research led by Professor Darzi is directed towards achieving best surgical practice through both innovation in surgery and enhanc- ing the safety and quality of healthcare. 

 

 

Organisation considerations:

  • "Intravenous cannula insertion will be carried out by trained and competent staff using strictly aseptic techniques" (Department of Health; see current national guidance)


Patient Considerations:

  • "Having a needle" was ranked as 6th most distressing during chemotherapy treatment. Coates et al (1983)
  • Repeated 1996 (Griffin, 1996) - Top 5 of side effects by women.

 

Professional:

        

 

                                                         Competent Practice:

  • Nurses: "You must have the knowledge and skills for safe and effective practice when working without direct supervision" (NMC Code; refer to current published version)

 

  • Allied Health Care Professionals: "You must act within the limits of your knowledge, skills and experience and, if necessary, refer the matter to another professional" (HCPC Standards of Proficiency; refer to current published version).

 

 

  • Doctors: "You must keep your knowledge and skills up to date throughout your working life. You should be familiar with relevant guidelines and developments that affect your work. You should regularly take part in educational activities that maintain and further develop your competence and performance" (GMC Good Medical Practice; refer to current published version).
  • Health Care Support Workers: It is the responsibility of the employer or professional deciding to delegate to ensure appropriate training,
  • supervision and assessment. (NMC Code; refer to current published version).

Clinical practitioners carrying out venepuncture, cannulation and IV access should practise within their professional body's most current standards for competence, delegation and scope of practice. VeinTrain supports this by providing structured preparation. Local employer governance, supervision arrangements and competency sign-off remain the organisation's responsibility.