The primary purpose of this role is to undertake abdominal aortic ultrasound scanning as part of the community-based National NHS AAA Screening Programme, ensuring this ultrasound scanning is undertaken to a high standard and in accordance with National AAA Standard Operating Procedures.
The post holder will reassure men attending the community AAA screening and surveillance clinics and explain the screening test to them. The post holder will ensure that the men attending clinics are informed and aware of the implications of AAA Screening.
The post holder will be required to undergo regular assessment and to renew their accreditation at intervals as per the NAAASP Education and Training Framework.
Clinics are held at various locations within the screening programme area, and the post holder is expected to travel to all locations and move portable screening equipment and supplies.
The post holder will work as an assistant practitioner, carrying out abdominal ultrasound scans within standard operating procedures. Following successful completion of the Health Screener’s Diploma, the post holder will work independently and make judgements according to experience and training. Advice is available when needed for more complex situations, but the post holder generally works with their own initiative without reference to the Programme Manager.
Attendance at NHS AAA Screening Programme training and successful completion of the Health Screeners’ Diploma is a necessity. The post holder must be able to drive and have a clean driving licence with business insurance and access to a car.
Responsibilities
1. Observe and care for patients under investigation, liaising with administrative staff, porters, nurses, and medical staff as appropriate in the best interest of the patient and any escorts.
2. Deal with anxious patients and their relatives or carers with tact, persuasion, patience, and discretion.
3. Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and project protocol including obtaining informed consent and explaining the reasons for their invitation.
4. Work alongside, supervise, and support other screening staff involved with the clinics and office, including administration duties for the screening programme, where appropriate.
5. Keep the Programme Manager, QA Lead, and CST informed of any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.
6. Report any compliments, complaints, or comments to the Programme Manager and work with them to explore ways to improve the service.
7. Use excellent communication skills and be confident in using telephone, email, and face-to-face communication.
Knowledge, Training & Experience
1. Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and any measurements taken which are outside the normal range.
2. Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation.
3. Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.
Physical Skills
1. Manipulate and calibrate ultrasound equipment with high degree of accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation.
2. Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans, including some lifting.
3. Be able to sit for prolonged periods.
4. Be able to stand for prolonged periods.
5. Work in darkened and confined spaces.
Patient Care
1. Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures.
2. Ensure the safety, privacy, and dignity of the subjects, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or other needs.
3. Work as an autonomous practitioner with access to guidance from the Clinical Skills Trainer, when necessary.
4. Assist the patient to fill in a questionnaire (if required) and check its completeness.
Analysis & Judgement
1. Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.
2. Download data electronically, inspect for abnormalities and flag/record as appropriate.
3. Record accurate clinical measurements and other information as required on the ultrasound equipment and/or the Northgate AAA system as appropriate.
Planning & Organisation
1. Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.
2. Ensure that scan results are dispatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way.
3. Deal with medical patient inquiries as appropriate, making independent judgements and taking the initiative to prioritise work.
4. Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy.
5. Use planning, organisation, and failsafe systems to undertake administrative duties for the service.
6. Use exemplary time management to ensure clinics run to schedule.
Education and Training
1. To attend for re-accreditation annually.
2. Provide support to other team members, demonstrating skills and techniques to staff with less experience.
3. Undertake all mandatory training.
4. Any other duties as required by Programme Manager.
Policy and Service Development
1. Take responsibility for ensuring own knowledge of NAAASP and local policy and procedures is current.
2. Attend and participate in Team and Board meetings as required.
3. Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement.
4. Contribute to and participate in promotional and educational programmes for health care professionals and the public.
5. Participate, as appropriate, in the proper investigation of incidents and patient complaints.
6. Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms.
7. Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location.
Financial Responsibilities
1. Ensure the safe use of expensive ultrasound equipment including transporting portable equipment to all screening locations.
2. Monitor equipment used in the course of the role.
3. Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables.
4. Ensure that the screening office is notified well in advance when supplies need to be replenished.
Research and Audit
1. The post holder will participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes in line with the AAA National Screening Programme.
Other Duties
1. Maintain clinical skills and knowledge, and maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) folder as evidence of this.
2. Attend meetings, training sessions, and tutorials as required.
Mental Effort
1. Use mental concentration for relatively long periods requiring a high level of accuracy for ultrasound scanning and complex administrative duties.
Emotional Effort
1. Use care, compassion, and self-awareness to deal with subjects who might be anxious or upset.
2. The post holder may occasionally be exposed to challenging behaviour when running the screening clinics.
Changes to the Job
1. This post may be subject to changes/review as the needs of the service/department/unit change.
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