Applicant Queries

Q: I attended a course more than 12 months ago. Will this count as attending a required course?
A: If your Mentor and Supervisor are supportive, and you are prepared to restart your logbook collection and complete it within a year, we will accept attendance on a relevant ICS-approved course within 3 years of your FUSIC registration for that module.

Q: Would a FEEL, EGLS or BSE Level 1 course (or similar) be accepted automatically?
A: FEEL and BSE Level 1 courses are automatically approved for FICE training. Other courses may have been approved on an individual basis, so please check with our accreditation team who will be able to confirm their status. 

Q: I am an ST5 Anaesthetic Trainee/respiratory trainee, am I eligible to carry out the FICE module?
A: Yes. It doesn’t matter what grade, role or speciality you belong to - medical, nursing or allied healthcare professional - FUSIC training is for you.

Q: I have completed a logbook for another ultrasound accreditation, can these scans contribute to my FUSIC logbook?
A: Yes. But only if you fulfil all the FUSIC logbook requirements (>10 scans are directly supervised by your FUSIC Mentor; all 50 scans [first to last] are completed within 12 months; all 50 scans [images and reports] are reviewed by your FUSIC Mentor). 

Q: How long do I have to complete the scans?
A: You must complete your logbook scans (first to last) within a 12-month period. You may apply for an extension to this deadline in advance of the 12 months, but it will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Q: What documents do I need to submit in order to get my accreditation certificate?
A: You need to submit your completed summary of training record in your accreditation pack, signed off by both your Mentor and Supervisor. There is no need to send your reports or any other documentation as part of this application.

Q: When do I need to register and make payment with the Intensive Care Society? You must register on the Intensive Care Society website before starting your log book. Q: How will I receive my certificate of accreditation?
A: Certificates of accreditation are sent via email.

Q: Is ICE-BLU access available as part of the FICE module or does this need to be paid for separately?
A: ICE-BLU is available at no charge to UK residents. This is not the case outside the UK; in such cases, please contact the our accreditation team who will advise you on alternative resources.

Extension requests/extenuating circumstances

Q: I am due to go on maternity leave and haven’t managed the requisite number of scans, can I have an extension or am I required to start the logbook from scratch?
A: This will depend on how many studies you have performed and had reviewed, and over what timeframe. Advice will be given on a case-by-case basis.

Q: I haven’t completed the requisite number of scans in the given timeframe, how do I get an extension and what information do I need to provide?
A: To help us consider your application for an extension, please provide the following information: date of course attendance, date of first scan, date of last scan, number of scans completed and reason for extension request). This information is useful for the committee’s consideration.

Mentor and Supervisor

Q: I have obtained BSE Level 1 accreditation; can I become a Supervisor for the FICE module?
A: No. Definition of a FICE Supervisor is someone with BSE Level 2 (TTE/ACCE) or an equivalent accreditation (such as EACVI). An alternative route to becoming a FICE Supervisor is having regular job-planned commitments to TTE. As someone with BSE Level 1, you will be an ideal FICE Mentor. 

Q: I have obtained BSE Level 2 accreditation in TOE; can I become a Supervisor for the Heart (FICE) module? 
A: No. Historically, this was possible, but not from now on. Skill in TOE translates well to the Mentor (training) role, but not necessarily to the Supervisor (governance) role for TTE. A focused TOE training programme is currently in an early stage of development, and as a TOE-accredited clinician you will have automatic Mentor/Supervisor status for this. 

Q: How do I become a FUSIC Mentor? 
A: By application to the FUSIC committee using the application form found here.  

Q: Can I have more than one Mentor or Supervisor to sign off my accreditation? 
A: Yes. You may have several Mentors during your training, especially if you have to move through different hospitals. Please record all their names in your Summary Training Record.

Q: I am unable to find a Mentor/Supervisor at my hospital; please can you help? 
A: It is easy for practitioners with the right credentials to apply and become Mentors. Inclusion criteria and a short application form can be found here.

Q. I have completed my logbook and need to arrange my triggered assessment, but recently moved to a new hospital. How do I find a Supervisor?
A: We would recommend having your triggered assessment done in the same hospital that your Mentor trained you in. However, if this isn't possible, rather than searching for a Supervisor , please search for a local Mentor as they will have already forged a relationship with a Supervisor who can help. If you have no local Mentors, please get in touch with our accreditation team who can help: fusic@ics.ac.uk. 

Q: I have been a registered Mentor and now think I am eligible to become a Mentor/Supervisor. How do I got about this? 
A: Please complete a Mentor application form outlining your experience in the Supervisor section. The FUSIC Committee will consider your application and feedback their decision. Submit your application form to fusic@ics.ac.uk.

International

Q: Is it possible to complete FUSIC accreditation abroad?
A: Yes. This is currently on a case-by-case basis. We are currently trialling pilots in other countries and we hope to expand these further. If you are interested in establishing others, please get in touch with the our accreditation team.

Q: Are there any FUSIC approved courses outside the UK?
A: Yes. See above.

If you cant find an answer to your question, please contact a member of Intensive Care Society accreditation team at FUSIC@ics.ac.uk