While completing a clinical training course is a big part of becoming competent in clinical skills, assessment and competency checks are also vital to ensure that learners can safely apply what they have learned in a real working environment.
What Assessment Typically Looks Like
When we carry out the assessments for the various clinical skills, we observe learners carrying out skills such as taking a blood pressure or giving medication. We check their technique against a set standard for that skill, and if they are given a scenario, they have to respond in that scenario to check their judgment as well as their knowledge.
The Frameworks Assessors Use
Finally there is clarity on what assessors are doing and how they are evaluating our performance. Importantly, this will be consistent for all learners and the frameworks and competency standards against which learners are assessed for adult social care are set out in The Care Certificate, which is used for assessing the competency of newly employed care staff.
Recording and Evidencing Competency If you are looking for Clinical Training Courses, see www.tidaltraining.co.uk/clinical-training-courses.
You will need to provide written evidence of your competence. This can be in the form of signed observation records, completed workbooks and written assessments. Depending on the role some of this evidence will require to be countersigned by a supervisor.
How Often Checks Should Be Refreshed
Most clinical skills are updated on an annual basis; however, skills that involve the use of medicines, moving and handling of patients or clients and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are updated every 6-12 months. This could be updated as part of a significant incident, change in role or after a long period of absence.
Preparing for an Assessment Day
Ensure that you have read through pre-course material provided. Also try to get in some practice of physical skills, familiarise yourself with policy and procedure within the workplace. Bring ID with you, and any relevant documents or records requested by the training provider beforehand. Ensure that you have asked your trainer what assessment will be like beforehand.
Once you have got everything together for your assessment you will find it quite straightforward.
