My trust (along with the CQC, NHSLA & HSE) are all keen on proof of competency with medical devices. When new equipment is purchased we expect manufacturers to supply competency based training and assessment for key trainers, at least. I have just been told by one pump manufacturer that they are not allowed to assess competency in their train-the-trainer course!! Their training is accredited by the R.C.N. and they will not allow the assessment to take place as part of the training!! If the trainers from the manufacturers aren't the experts, who is??? Do we have to write specific competencies for every medical device in an acute trust????? Has anyone else encountered (and overcome) this obstacle??

Yes
We write our own competencies for our medical equipment - basing it on the manufacturers competencies if possible. We do this as we might use the equipment in slightly different ways and not use certain functions so going exactly "by the book" might not be appropriate.
If you want to have a chat about medical device training please contact me. We have roughtly half our nurses recorded as competent on the equipment they use, that is around 25,000 competencies completed at the last count.
Robert

Thanks for that...where are you based...?

I have sent you a PM
RoJo

Hi, it is a strange decision, in particular when we have to look at the most innovative, flexible and efficient way of learning and training everyone on equipment. May I ask you how the equipment training data is captured and recorded in your Trust/Hospital? I strugle to find a programme which will enable me to assess (re-assess/update)staff and also record that training on different equipment ( including specialist equipment)
Any comments or ideas are welcome!

Anka
Read your PMs and contact me.
There is not "a programme" to do the assessment you have to do the work yourself but you can use ESR to help you with record keeping.
RoJo

As Ed might say:- Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Or, in this case:- Who assesses the assessor?

You certainly like that quote.

Although if you followed Plato's answer the Assessors would Assess themselves spurred on by a Noble lie.

Yes. I see it as part of my role in life to educate the Masses. Especially in this era of the Great Dumbing Down of the Plebs.

The Noble Lie? Indeed. Surely we can agree that it is at the very foundation of democracy (so-called), especially the British variety (which, IMHO, is but a façade, an ignis fatuus, an illusion or mere will-o'-the-wisp). That is, 'tis but a fleeting moment that remains only whilst the ballot is scored.

The Noble Lie only works (as it seemingly continues to do) just as long as the people believe it. And therein lies the rub. The Dumb Sheep are always afraid to face the Truth! Or, put another way, they prefer to believe the Lie ... because it is, to them, the more comfortable alternative.

Anyway ... back at the thread:- surely our "favourite quote"* was (is) most apt in this case?

* Which is, by the way, considered by many to be the most important Latin phrase of our time (and who am I to disagree?).

I think you will find it is the NHSLA and the Care Quality Commission.

RoJo