How to identify the training areas your clinical practice staff are required to have

Guidance for practices on how to identify the circumstances when training is necessary for clinical staff

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on BMA

In some cases, mandatory or statutory training may not be necessary for clinical staff. The following information can help practices identify what training is required.

Samples for cervical screenings 

It is good practice to ensure that practices are aware of the guidance on training in cervical smear taking. However, there are no contractual grounds for requiring GPs to undertake training, unless this is expressly agreed upon as part of local personal medical services or alternative provider medical services contractual arrangements.

The NHS cervical screening programme recommends that all practitioners taking cervical smear samples should undertake a minimum of a half-day training programme every three years to ensure they are up-to-date with both the programme and the method of smear-taking.

Spirometry 

There are no mandatory requirements for performing spirometry, but some practitioners who perform or interpret diagnostic spirometry in general practice may choose to be on the national register as this demonstrates that they have achieved the standard of practice set out by the Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology. CQC expects practices to be able to demonstrate that all staff who perform spirometry tests, or interpret results, are competent.

Administering vaccines

Practices could be asked by CQC to demonstrate training for clinical staff linked to their specific clinical responsibilities. For nursing staff, for example, this could be taking samples for the cervical screening programme or administering vaccines and, for extended roles, in treating minor illness and long-term conditions. It is for the practice to determine how they demonstrate that their staff have the necessary skills to perform the activities asked of them.

Minor surgery 

There are no mandatory training requirements for performing minor surgery; it is up to the practice to determine the training required to meet the needs of their patients.