Medical Imaging
CLINICAL SUPERVISION POLICY FOR
BSc (HONS) MEDICAL IMAGING (DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY) STUDENTS
Stage 1
An appropriately qualified member of staff (supervisor) is required to observe the whole of the student’s interaction with patients at least in line of sight. Actual proximity will be a matter of judgement for the supervisor, depending on the task being undertaken and the experience of the student.
Stage 2
In every case, an appropriately qualified member of staff should be directly available to provide assistance. This member of staff will make a judgement regarding the level of supervision dependent on the complexity of the examination, the clinical circumstances and the experience of the student. Some examinations/procedures will require the physical presence of the supervisor alongside the student and others, where the student has demonstrated sufficient competence; the supervisor need only be in the local vicinity.
Stage 3
In every case, an appropriately qualified member of staff should be directly available to provide assistance. This member of staff will make a judgement regarding the level of supervision dependent on the complexity of the examination, the clinical circumstances and the experience of the student. Some examinations/procedures will require the physical presence of the supervisor alongside the student and others, where the student has demonstrated sufficient competence; the supervisor need only be in the local vicinity.
In each case, regardless of the stage of training or level of supervision decided upon by the supervisor, under IR(ME)R 2000 regulations, the ultimate responsibility for theconduct of the examination lies with the supervisor. However, students are expected to comply fully with the SCoR Code of Conduct and HCPC Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and therefore work only within the scope of their ability.
It is agreed that:
- Students may only undertake radiographic procedures under the supervision of an appropriately qualified member of staff.
- Under no circumstances may procedures be performed without the prior knowledge and approval of an appropriately qualified member of staff.
- The processes of justification of the examination andassessment of the resultant radiograph must be discussed with the student. The final decision as to whether or not it is acceptable must remain with the appropriately qualified member of staff.
- Repeat or additional examinations must only be undertaken after discussion and agreement from the appropriately qualified member of staff and must be closely supervised. i.e. the supervising radiographer has a professional responsibility to be in close enough proximity to oversee all of the students actions and intervene if required.
- When the student radiographer is undertaking mobile or theatre radiography (including A&E resus) the supervising member of staff should be present in the theatre or on the ward throughout the duration of the procedure. This member of staff will make a judgement regarding the level of supervision required dependent on the complexity of the examination, the clinical circumstances and the experience of the student. This may vary from the student observing only to the student performing the entire examination unaided.
- If a patient requires supervision and the appropriately qualified member of staff decides to leave the patient in the care of a student he/she must ensure that the student is aware of what is expected of him/her.
- Before a student is permitted to carry out a radiographic procedure, the appropriately qualified member of staff must ensure that the equipment is functioning correctly and that the student is competent to use it.
- Students must not use equipment until they have been trained to do so in accordance with local procedures. Students may not undertake repairs to equipment. Students must not use the equipment if they are concerned about its safety or their ability to use it.
- Staff must report any incident in which the students are personally involved, however minor, occurring to a patient, a visitor or themselves according to the local Trust policy and via the University of Exeter Serious Incident Reporting form, found at the following link: SIR policy.
- Students may draw up contrast media, but the responsibility for ensuring that this is done correctly lies with the supervisor or the radiologist/clinician conducting the examination. A student must NEVER introduce contrast media into the circulatory system.
- The student must apply:
- Radiation Protection Approved Code of Practice and Local Rules as devised by IRR and IR(ME)R(2000)
- Local Rules required by the Health and Safety at Work Act
- Fire Regulations, an awareness of the of the fire drill, location of extinguishers and be able to operate an extinguisher
- Moving and Handling Operations Regulations
- College of Radiographer’s Statements for Professional Conduct
- Data Protection Act 1998
- Any other relevant departmental or local Trust policy.
JS/SJM 2015