Here are some ways to maintain high training standards.
Review the quality of training in the department
You could use trainee feedback, peer review, and training outcomes to evaluate the quality of training. Take stock of all training schemes operating within the department and identify any quality improvements that could benefit all trainees. Consider undertaking a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. Best practice would be to involve an external peer in this review. Your professional body may be able to provide advice; several professional bodies operate regional tutor systems.
A good opportunity to conduct this review is when you are asked to complete annual monitoring for the school to maintain your approved accreditation status, where applicable. You may also prepare periodic quality assurance returns for other organisations, such as your local NHS office or equivalent body.
Maintain the quality of training skills among your staff
Encourage relevant staff within the department to complete the school’s training for ETP trainers and cascade the learning to others. It is also good practice for departments to ensure that staff involved in coaching, mentoring, or training have opportunities to complete relevant generic training through continuing professional and personal development (CPPD) provided by the organisation.
Consider establishing a teaching observation scheme among trainers, for example, for case-based discussions. Critical reflection is key to professional practice. Be open with trainees when you are uncertain about a professional situation and explain your thought process, including what factors you consider when managing a difficult situation involving a patient or colleague. If trainees see that you reflect in this way, they will feel more comfortable asking questions and discussing approaches to professional practice.
Rather than viewing professional practice training activities as separate from technical training activities, highlight how they are integrated. For example, effective communication with colleagues is essential to finding the best technical solution to a problem.
Follow ‘Good Scientific Practice’
The Academy for Healthcare Science document Good Scientific Practice sets out the principles, values, and standards of behaviour and practice expected of the healthcare science workforce. These standards and values must be achieved and maintained through the delivery of work activities, the provision of care, and personal conduct.
Follow good practice advice from professional and regulatory bodies
Although this page provides some general principles of good practice, it is not intended to offer advice on specialist areas. The Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST) is a source of good practice advice for all areas of Cardiac Science. The British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) also has a long history of training and assessment, provides useful quality assurance mechanisms, and acts as a repository of best practice in echocardiography.
Trainees should be encouraged to become BSE members as soon as possible to support their preparation for the accreditation process. The training fund provided with each training post may be used for this purpose.