Why do we need to do mandatory training when we work in healthcare?
What is the difference between statutory and mandatory training?
Which courses do we need to do and how often do we need to repeat the training?
Why do we need to do mandatory training when we work in healthcare?
The HCPC requires therapists to have continued to meet the HCPC’s Standards of Proficiency for the safe and effective practice of their profession.
In the Occupational Therapy Professional Standards it states 3.6.1.10 You ensure that you remain up to date in all your statutory training to ensure safe practice, including risk management, health and safety, safeguarding, moving and handling techniques and data protection.
The General Chiropractic Council states A6 treat patients in a hygienic and safe environment. A7 safeguard the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable Adults.
The General Osteopathic Council Professional Standards states C5 You must ensure that your practice is safe, clean and hygienic, and complies with health and safety legislation.
“safe practice” is about keeping all staff, visitors and patients safe. How can we do that without having training? And how do we keep ourselves up to date unless we attend regular training? For example basic life support training changes all the time and unless we know the latest best practice we are at risk of not delivering up to date resuscitation if a patient collapses. The implications of that are profound.
What is the difference between statutory and mandatory training?
Statutory training is the type of training which is usually required by law or where a statutory body has instructed an organisation to provide training on the basis of specific legislation (i.e. the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999). Employers often describe this as ‘essential’ or ‘compulsory’ training and it ensures staff have the knowledge to maintain a healthy and safe working environment for themselves and their colleagues. rcn.org.uk
Core health and safety awareness and training usually includes:
● awareness of the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)
● when and how to report injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences (RIDDOR)
● fire safety awareness training
● manual handling training
● basic risk assessment training
● Basic life support
● First Aid
Mandatory training is compulsory training that is determined essential by an organisation for the safe and efficient delivery of services. This type of training is designed to reduce organisational risks and comply with local or national policies and government guidelines.
Mandatory training ensures that individuals have the right knowledge and skills to carry out their duties in the safest ways possible, minimising any risk to themselves and others
Thinking about the safe practice element, what could happen whilst you are working? There could be a fire, a patient could collapse, a patient needs help to get on to the couch, a member of staff faces an irate patient or visitor, the gym equipment needs cleaning, someone walks away from their computer leaving all the patient demographic details visible for anyone to see which is a data breach, a patient comes in with an unexplained bruise,a child seems distressed and withdrawn while you are treating them.
Would you know what to do?
Undertaking mandatory training on a regular basis will ensure that you do know exactly what to do
Which courses do we need to do and how often do we need to repeat the training?
● Conflict Resolution
● Equality, Diversity and Human Rights
● Fire Safety
● Health, Safety and Welfare
● Infection Prevention and Control – Level 2 – Clinical
● Information Governance and Data Security
● Moving and Handling – Level 2 – Patient
● Preventing Radicalisation
● Resuscitation – Level 1 – Basic Life Support
● Resuscitation – Level 2 – Paediatric Basic Life Support (only required if working with children otherwise Level 1
● Safeguarding Adults – Level 1
● Safeguarding Adults – Level 2
● Safeguarding Adults – Level 3
● Safeguarding Children – Level 1
● Safeguarding Children – Level 2
● Safeguarding Children – Level 3
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Quality Assurance Standards 2.1.6 states during induction
Members receive training in:
● fire procedures
● life support
● moving and handling
● dealing with violence and aggression
● control and prevention of infection
● confidentiality
● information governance
● safeguarding children
● safeguarding vulnerable adults
● familiarisation with record keeping systems ( eg storage of paper records or electronic access)
● an approach to record keeping within the team (style/use of acronyms and short forms etc)
After induction, there is no mandated timescale to repeat the training so be guided by your training provider who will stipulate the frequency and keep a record of this. Have a spreadsheet which shows that you and any staff are up to date with the training and it clearly shows when it is next due,
There is no definitive list (that we can find) of the training for osteopaths, occupational therapists and chiropractors. However to comply with the standards of safe practice the same courses are relevant.
There is no mandated timescale to repeat the training so be guided by your training provider who will stipulate the frequency and keep a record of this. Have a spreadsheet which shows that you and any staff are up to date with the training and it clearly shows when it is next due
If an adverse event were to occur, and there was an investigation, details of staff training would be required.
If you would like a list of training providers (gathered from HCPG working with therapists who found them useful and time efficient) then please get in touch info@hcpg.co.uk
To stay up to date with HCPC compliance click here.
