Infusion Devices Training Programme
Introduction:
The learning programme was developed in partnership with the NPSA and an Expert Reference Group, in order to promote the safe and competent use of Infusion Devices in the Health and Care Sector. Training in the use of infusion devices varied across the country. Whilst there must always be local variation in the delivery of practical training, this programme aims to standardise the core content of the learning.
It also aims to provide a qualification that is nationally recognised and transferable across the sector to minimise unnecessary repetition of training.
Target Audience:
This programme is aimed at Health and Care Sector staff who use infusion devices
Getting started:
The Infusion Devices programme has two purposes
- Serve as a learning module
- Lead to a City & Guilds assessment and certification
Course content and learning outcomes:
Module 1: Introduction to Infusion Devices
- Know about the main types of pump
- Understand the benefit and limitations of each type
- Know how to use the most appropriate device for an infusion
- Know about some specialist types of infusion device
- Understand why sets are used
- Know about administrative sets for volumetric pumps
- Know about extension sets for syringe pumps
- Understand when to use specialist sets instead
- Know the main risks associated with infusion therapy
- Learn which risks the pumps could warn you about
- Learn which risks you need to check for yourself
- Understand the difference between alarms and alerts and how to respond to each
Module 2: Drug Preparation
- Know about preparing infusions to prevent infection
- Understand how to deal with drugs that are unstable and react with the diluent, air or light
- Know the risk of administering drugs that react with each other and how to give them safely
- Understand how to administer drugs that may react with plastic components
- How to calculate the administration rate in milliletres per hour
- Know the total volume of infusate and the duration of the infusion
- Give a prescription in micrograms per minute
- For a patient of known weight given a prescription in micrograms per kilograms per hour
- For a patient of known weight given a prescription in micrograms per kilograms per minute
- Give an infusion with the strength expressed as a percentage or ratio
- Be able to calculate the drip rate in drops per minute for a gravity device
Module 3: Selecting and Preparing the Infusion Device
- Know the risks of connecting an intravenous infusion to an appropriate route
- Understand the MHRA guidelines about appropriate choice of device for a particular therapy
- Understand the factors that affect device selection
Module 4: Starting the Infusion
- Know the safety checks to make before setting up an infusion pump
- Understand how to set up a volumetric pump
- Understand how to set up a syringe pump
- Have a good awareness of the risks involved in setting up a pump
- How to inform and reassure the patient
- How to position both patient and pump for maximum safety
- How to involve patient in their own care
- How to programme the infusion pump
- How to ensure that the connection is secure and the pump is running correctly
- Understand the different risks in starting an infusion
- Learn how to identify and respond to the problems that may arise
Module 5: Starting the Infusion
- Know common abbreviations in use in infusion therapy
- Understand the preset configuration of the pump and its purposes
- Know how to move a pump and patient safely
- Know how to monitor a patient during an infusion
- Understand the importance of recording the observations that you make during an infusion
- Know that you know how to check that an infusion is progressing satisfactorily
- Understand the difference between alarms, alerts and prompts
- Know how to respond to alarms that may sound during an infusion
- Understand the risks once an infusion has started
- Know the checks you need to make
- Understand how to minimise the possible risks
Module 6: Close down and dismantling
- Know the various ways a nurse can end an infusion
- Understand how an infusion can end prematurely
- Know how a pump can be protected from being stopped by unauthorised persons
- Know how to safely disconnect the infusion device from the patient
- Check the condition of the patient and the cannula site
- Correctly discard any disposable components
- How to remove the pump from the stand
- How to prepare the pump for its next use
- How to report damage or faults
Expected duration of the programme:
Each module of the programme involves 7 -10 of e-learning plus tutor support, guided self-study, reflective practice and practical competency assessment. The number of modules that a learner needs to access is determined by their pre-existing knowledge, which is highlighted by the diagnostic assessment at the start of the programme. The complete learning programme may involve up to 40 learning hours in total
Content mapping:
The programme has been mapped to KSF, NHSLA Risk Assessment standards, CNST (General Standards) and Standards for Better Health
Click here to take you to the mapping documents which outline this in further detail
City & Guilds Accreditation:
The E-Learning Programme supports a City & Guilds qualification entitled “Certificate in the Safe Use of Infusion Devices”
How do the Learning and Assessment Elements work together?
The e-learning package is a resource designed to be used flexibly according to the need, pace and time of the individual learner. The learner completes the diagnostic at the start of the e-learning and, depending on the results, is directed to the modules where further learning is necessary. Some learners may be asked to study the complete programme whilst others may only be required to complete certain modules.
The learning experience starts with a diagnostic test which takes into account prior knowledge, skills and experience. This could potentially reduce the learning hours required to complete the three modules needed to gain the qualification. The units of the qualification can be assessed independently of each other, with certificates of unit credit being awarded for each unit and may be useful to demonstrate continued professional development.
When the learner feels confident, they can opt to take the theory the City & Guilds qualification
The three units of the qualification are:
- Principles of Good Clinical Practice within the Health Care Environment.
- Safe Use of Volumetric Pumps within the Health Care Environment.
- Safe use of Syringe Pumps within the Health Care Environment.
In order to gain the complete qualification, students must demonstrate safe and competent use of one volumetric and one syringe device. Practical competence where possible is integrated within the students everyday work practice and should be demonstrated at least partly at the client’s bedside.
By the end of the learning programme and accreditation process, the learner will have filled gaps in their knowledge relating to infusion devices and will have updated practical skills. They will have gained a certificate demonstrating that they have the core knowledge and skills to operate infusion devices safely and competently. The certificate will also state the specific devices for which the learner has demonstrated competence. This certificate will be accepted by other Trusts and learners should not be asked to repeat training. However, the learner might be asked to undertake additional training and assessment using another model of pump.
The key benefits are that they:
- Reduce the number of patient safety incidents and improve the clients’ experience in an area of high risk practice.
- Communicate a shared generic understanding of infusion devices and allow clinical staff to demonstrate generic practical competence to a recognised level.
- Recognise previously obtained skills and knowledge.
National guidelines all recommend the need for training and accountability in the practice of infusion. The programme assists Trusts to meet the Clinical Negligence Scheme (CNST), and Health Care Commission Standards.
The qualification can be accessed through City & Guilds centres or you can find out more by logging onto the website www.city-and-guilds.com. The unit has negotiated a significantly reduced price of £22.90 for the accreditation from City and Guilds.
To find out more about this or any of our other programmes please contact the unit on:
T: 0845 330 6507 E: clpu@skillsforhealth.org.uk