AAA Screening Technician

Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl

 1 Communication

 1.1 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.

 1.2 Deal with anxious patients and their relatives or carers with tact, persuasion, patience and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding.

 1.3 Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and project protocol including obtaining informed consent, putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation and answering any queries.

 1.4 Work alongside, supervise and support other screening staff involved with the clinics and office, including administration duties for the screening programme, where appropriate.

 1.5 Keep the Programme Manager, QA Lead and CST informed of any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary.

 1.6 Report any compliments, complaints or comments to the programme Manager and work with them to explore ways to improve the service.

 1.7 Use excellent communication skills and be confident in using telephone, email, and face to face communication.

 2.  Knowledge, Training & Experience

 2.1 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.

2.2 Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation. 

 2.3 Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.

 3       Physical Skills

3.1  Manipulates and calibrates ultrasound equipment with high degree of accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation.

 3.2  Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans, including some lifting.

3.3  Be able to sit for prolonged periods 

3.4  Be able to stand for prolonged periods 

3.5  Work in darkened and confined spaces

 4      Patient Care

4.1  Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures.

4.2  Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the subjects, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or other needs

4.3  Work as an autonomous practitioner with access to guidance from the Clinical Skills Trainer, when necessary, including working as a lone practitioner in the community.

4.4  Assist the patient to fill in a questionnaire (if required) and check its completeness.

5  Analysis & Judgement

5.1 Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols.

5.2 Download data electronically, inspect for abnormalities and flag/record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options and send data to the screening office. Ensure that the screening office. Ensure that the screening office is notified as soon as possible about any results that are at variance with specified criteria or that are of concern.

5.3 Record accurate clinical measurements and other information as required on the ultrasound equipment and /or the Northgate AAA system as appropriate.

 6. Planning & Organisation

 6.1 Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol.

 6.2 Ensure that scan results are despatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way.

 6.3 Deal with medical patient enquires as appropriate, making independent judgements and taking the initiative to prioritise work and to bring to the attention of medical staff or management any issues or concerns.

 6.4 Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate.

 6.5 Use planning, organisation and failsafe systems to undertake administrative duties for the service.

6.6 Use exemplary time management to ensure clinics run to schedule.

 7. Education and training

7.1      To attend for re-accreditation annually.

 7.2      Provide support to other team members, demonstrating skills and techniques to staff with less experience

 7.3      Undertake all mandatory training

 7.4      Any other duties as required by Programme Manager

 8.Policy and Service Development

8.1.1     Take responsibility for ensuring own knowledge of NAAASP and local policy and procedures is current to ensure safety of self and others Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and care of patients.

8.1.2     Attend and participate in Team and Board meetings as required.

8.1.3     Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement for own work area.

8.1.4     Contribute to and participate in promotional and educational programmes for health care professionals and the public to increase awareness.

8.1.5     To participate, as appropriate, in the proper investigation of incidents and patient complaints/complaints from other users of the service.

8.1.6     Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms.  Ensure that all clinic waste is disposed of in the correct manner.

8.7      Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location. Check equipment at the start of each clinic for any damage and conduct regular phantom testing of equipment.

9      Financial Responsibilities

9.1 Ensure the safe use of expensive ultrasound equipment including transporting portable equipment to all screening locations. 

9.2 Monitor equipment used in the course of the role, ensure it is kept clean, and  record/report any faults.

9.3 Monitor stock levels of supplies and consumables.

9.4 Ensure that the screening office is notified well in advance when supplies need to be replenished.

 10. Research and Audit

 10.1 The post holder will participate in the extraction of local clinical data for research purposes in line with the AAA National Screening Programme.

 11 Other duties

 11.1    Maintain clinical skills and knowledge, and maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) folder as evidence of this.

 11.2 Attend meeting, training sessions and tutorials as required.

 11.13 Maintain clinical skills and knowledge.

 12. Mental Effort

 12.1 Use mental concentration for relatively long periods requiring a high level of accuracy for ultrasound scanning and complex administrative duties.

 12. Emotional Effort

 12.1 Use care, compassion and self-awareness to deal with subjects who might be anxious or upset.

 12.2 The post holder may occasionally be exposed to challenging behaviour when running the screening clinics.

 13. Changes to the job

 13.1    This post may be subject to changes/ review as the needs of the service/department/ unit change. Any changes will be made following consultation with the individual before the changes are made.

 For further details please see the attached job description.