CHS222.2014 Prescribe the use of equipment, medical devices and products within healthcare

Overview

This standard relates to prescribing equipment, medical devices and products to meet the individuals needs identified through the individual's assessment. This may include identifying and prescribing for new referrals. It may also include consideration of change or adaptation to existing technology for existing users whose needs have changed or prescribing the specification of new and emerging technology to meet existing needs. This standard does not cover the prescribing of medicines. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 2

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. your own level of competence, authority and specialist knowledge base related to prescribing or recommending on options for equipment, medical devices or products
2. the stakeholders involved, their information needs, roles and responsibilities
3. how to communicate effectively in the appropriate manner to meet the individual's needs and preferences
4. the range of health and safety measures, infection prevention and control and relevant personal protective equipment, their importance and application in relation to prescribing options to meet individual need within your work practice
5. the importance of risk analysis and risk assessments for the individual's clinical needs and requirements in prescribing equipment, medical devices and products
6. the range and type of evaluation methods and how to match these to type and complexity of options under consideration
7. how to apply the evaluation criteria relevant to functionality, performance, intended use and clinical context
8. the normal and pathological principles of functional anatomy, physiology and their application relevant to the available options and the individual's condition
9. the range and suitability of scientific, engineering and/or electronic systems relevant to the proposed options and individual's needs within your speciality
10. sources of information on the required product range and how to access these
11. the importance of the types, range and extent of data required to allow for full consideration of options
12. the ability to assess the factors affecting the suitability and effectiveness of appropriate options
13. the range of techniques for maximising an individual's responsiveness for the prescription and where appropriate how to adjust equipment parameters and the reasons for such adjustments
14. the range of materials and components available, their application, indication, and contra-indications for use relevant to the individual
15. the sources of user instruction material and their importance and how to access them
16. the current national legislation, guidelines, local policies and protocols which affect your work practice
17. the importance of reflecting on your practice and its relationship with continuing professional development
18. the policies and guidance that clarify your scope of practice, accountabilities and the working relationship between yourself and others

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. work within your level of competence, responsibility and accountability
2. apply appropriate health and safety measures, infection prevention and control and personal protective equipment to minimise the risks within your work practice
3. correctly interpret data from individual user assessment and confirm objectives
4. resolve any apparent discrepancies or omissions in data provided, referring to relevant colleagues or user
5. access relevant information from available sources to investigate possible options
6. assess the effectiveness of existing and potential replacement equipment and technology
7. select potential options and check suitability with reference to relevant others against individuals needs
8. review all data to determine relevance to proposed options and associated risks
9. prioritise and consider options against needs, availability and user/carer preferences to influence selection of suitable solutions
10. confirm and agree selected option with individual user and relevant others
11. determine the required clinical review period, including cases where no intervention is prescribed
12. provide correct information to the individual and relevant others at required level of detail and in an agreed format to authorised stakeholders
13. issue a report on the recommendation for the prescribed option at sufficient level of detail for type and purpose of solution to relevant stakeholders
14. maintain full, accurate and legible records of information collected in line with current legislation, guidelines, policies and protocols

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: HWB7 Interventions and treatments