Mentor to accompany HCA ( Max of 2 HCA per Mentor)
1-2 hours needed for prereading home study
The Heath care Assistants course is suitable for experienced HCAs’ and aims to provide the candidate with the knowledge to carry out safe otoscopy and recognise common ear problems. It will also provide the candidate with underpinning knowledge to carry out safe wax removal either via instrumentation or ear irrigation.
Prior to the workshop the HCA and mentor will be provided with pre-course workbooks to assist in the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the ear, thus enabling more time for practical sessions.
Ear irrigation if an extended role for the HCA and con only be delegated to them providing the following criteria have been met:
· The patient is over 16 years old
· The patient has had previous irrigation without complications
Learning Outcomes:
· Understand the basic anatomy and physiology of the ear
· Understand how to consider the patient holistically in assessing their ears
· Develop knowledge on which to base wax instrumentation or irrigation according to their level of competence
· Know when not to irrigate and refer
· Decontamination of equipment
· Documentation
· Accountability and delegation
Components of the course:
Mentor support: the HCA is required to have a mentor who will support the HCA in achieving the necessary level of competence. The attending mentor will receive a certificate or ear care update (recommended 2-3 years)
Clinical competence booklet – this competency booklet will be completed within a 3-month period after the course and will be submitted to the trainer in order to receive a ear irrigation course completion certificate.
Ear irrigation workbook – which will comprise of short and long answer questions and reflections – this is to be completed and signed off by the mentor. This needs to be completed with 3 months post course.