Performing well under Pressure

Xchange newsletter – Autumn 2008

Here we talk to Sarah May, deputy chief executive of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and her colleague, Alan Wainwright, executive head of education. A stimulating discussion concluded that, because of major advances in recent years and through the introduction of integrated biomedical science degrees, the education and training system for biomedical scientists is meeting the demands and standards of 21st century diagnostics.

The landscape for biomedical sciences education and training changed five years ago when the Health Professions Council (HPC) took national responsibility for professional proficiency. That organisation’s focus of ‘Working with health professionals to protect the public’ has increased the importance of accreditation, lead to the publication of standards and stimulated the need for continued proof of competencies.

The route into the profession

There are currently more than 45 full or part-time BMS degree courses on offer in the UK. All are accredited by the IBMS and around 20 are approved by the HPC. Graduates join the NHS as trainee biomedical scientists. Whilst working, they are required to complete a portfolio that evidences their acquisition of competence. Alan commented, “At the end of this period, each application is externally verified by the IBMS for the award of a Certificate of Competence. This confirms that the HPC standard of proficiency has been met and supports their application for admittance to the register in order to practice as a biomedical scientist.”

Sarah added, “The IBMS has also pioneered co-terminus (integrated) degrees. These enable the student to obtain their degree, but also meet the requirements for registration as part of the course. These courses contain clinical laboratory placements as an integral part.”

Continued development

The HPC has set standards for continuing professional development (CPD) and the IBMS has promoted these within its own comprehensive CPD system, which has been available to members for many years. All members are automatically registered on the scheme.

An extensive programme of IBMS events and courses – which now includes a range of online options alongside local and national meetings – allows those in post to maintain, improve and extend their knowledge, skills and practice in line with HPC requirements.

An individual challenge

The HPC defines CPD as ‘a range of learning activities through which health professionals maintain and develop throughout their career to ensure they retain their capacity to practise safely, effectively and legally within their evolving scope of practice'.

A registrant must maintain a continuous, up-to-date and accurate record of their CPD activities and demonstrate that they include a mixture of learning activities relevant to current and future practice. In addition, individuals must seek to ensure that their CPD has contributed to the quality of their practice and service delivery, and make sure that their development benefits the service user too. A written profile, containing evidence of CPD activities, must be available on request.

Alan again, “The emphasis is very much on the individual not only to learn but to also ensure that their CPD has contributed to the quality of their practice and service delivery.”

The IBMS scheme provides a framework for recording CPD activity and demonstrating the range of activities undertaken.

The Institute’s guidance also assists in the preparation of written profiles for the HPC audit process.

A role for industry

Can industry play a role in training too? “Definitely,” says Alan, “company material can be extremely valuable to trainees.” Learning guides, webcasts, scientific posters and newsletters are important contributions to the educational ‘toolkit’.

Have you checked out Abbott’s online science section which is full of essential reading for new trainees and experienced biomedical scientists alike? Plus our regular webcasts are CPD accredited! We can also provide Abbott reflective learning guides.

And for the trainers… Abbott has created a Training Managers Database for the electronic exchange of training and education information. To subscribe contact abbottuktraining@abbott.com