CHS130 Perform routine Electrocardiograph (ECG) Procedures

Overview

This standard covers performance of recording Electrocardiograph (ECG) at rest and ambulatory Electrocardiograph (ECG) procedures. It includes connection and disconnection of electrodes and acquisition of data ready for analysis. The procedures may be performed in a number of care settings such as outpatient departments, ward areas and GP practices. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. The current European and National legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols in accordance with Clinical/Corporate Governance which affect your work practice in relation to performing routine electrocardiograph procedures
2. Your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and National legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols and Clinical/Corporate Governance
3. The duty to report any acts or omissions in care that could be detrimental to yourself, other individuals or your employer
4. The importance of applying standard precautions to the performing of routine electrocardiographs of competence and the potential consequences of poor practice
5. The importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence
6. Any special needs the individual may have which may affect performance or quality of ECG, including paediatric, mobility and medical conditions such Parkinson disease
7. The importance of confirming the individual’s identity and consent
8. The importance of ensuring immobility for electrocardiograph at rest
9. The clinical conditions and reasons for referral for electrocardiograph examinations
10. The effect of postural and respiratory changes on electrocardiograph results
11. The structure and function of the heart
12. The conduction system of the heart
13. The normal electrocardiograph
14. The type and common characteristics of recording devices used in electrocardiograph procedures and how to set up and test
15. The relevant equipment quality assurance procedures
16. The purpose of electrocardiograph procedures
17. The correct positioning of electrodes for at rest and ambulatory electrocardiograph procedures and why this is important
18. Potential electrical interference and sources of artefact and how to recognise them
19. How to check that the electrocardiograph trace is clear to enable accurate reading and analysis
20. The importance of the individual’s accurate recording of signs/symptoms during ambulatory electrocardiograph procedures
21. The importance of correctly labelling all records and outputs
22. The disclosure and confidentiality requirements in respect of medical and the individual’s information
23. The importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own sphere of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff

 

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and other appropriate health and safety measures
2. ensure the comfort, safety, security and general condition of the individual and yourself throughout the procedure
3. confirm the individual’s identity, reason for referral and valid consent
4. identify any special needs which may affect performance of the test or influence results
5. obtain assistance and advice where alternative arrangements are required to meet special needs
6. confirm the individual is fit to undergo the procedures by asking whether they have any symptoms such as feeling faint when lying down for such tests
7. establish suitability of characteristics and operational parameters of equipment
8. correctly label documents and recording devices with individual details, date of procedure and person performing the procedure
9. inform and instruct the individual and carers on the procedure and requirements for their compliance
10. where electrocardiograph is performed at rest, encourage the individual to relax and remain immobile during procedure
11. where ambulatory electrocardiograph is performed ensure the individual understands the importance of accurately recording incidence of signs and symptoms, including time of occurrence
12. prepare sites and position electrodes to optimise results, taking account of special needs identified
13. test and run monitoring device and check quality of output
14. inform the individual of next action
15. safeguard the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the individual throughout the procedure

 

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning This standard has replaced HCS_CARD4