How to perform a FUSIC triggered assessment
Introduction
Since they were launched, the FICE (2012), CUSIC (2014) and FUSIC (2020) accreditation pathways have always had two levels of trainer: Mentors who deliver bedside training; Supervisors who deliver the Triggered Assessment. This has now changed.
With the exception of FUSIC Heart, all FUSIC modules now have a single Trainer. We have changed this for one of two reasons:
- POCUS has come of age, and we believe that accredited practitioners with at least one year of clinical practise have the experience to recognise competence in learners (e.g. FUSIC Lung, Abdo, DVT, Vascular and CACTUS)
- A centralised assessment has replaced the local process (e.g. HD and fTOE). FUSIC Heart continues to have Mentors and Supervisors on the grounds of scale and shallower learning curve.
There has been no change to how future Trainers are approved; applicants will be recognised in exactly the same way as Mentors have been previously (i.e. module accreditation plus one year’s clinical practise. Or recognition of experience by the FUSIC committee). However, this change of recognition does mean that if you were already registered as a Mentor or Supervisor in FUSIC Lung, Abdo, DVT or Vascular as of May 2023, you will have been automatically approved as a Trainer in FUSIC Lung, Abdo, DVT or Vascular and you can now perform a Triggered Assessment in that module.
Because this may be the first time you are required to do so, we have created this guidance to explain the process and help you get started.
When to perform a Triggered Assessment
All Modules
- After satisfactory review of completed logbook images and reports
- After satisfactory demonstration of all module competencies (form available on the candidate’s ICS Learning Portal)
FUSIC Heart Supervisors can be reassured that these tasks should have already been done by FUSIC Heart Mentors before the candidate is referred to you.
How to perform a Triggered Assessment
Setting and patient selection
The goal of assessment is to determine the candidate’s level of knowledge, skill and attitude with respect to POCUS. So, it’s important to assess these within the clinical environment, ideally on a patient with identifiable pathology. Location does not have to be inside the intensive care unit, but this may provide useful challenges (e.g. patient access and infection control) that can provoke discussion opportunities.
You can decide if you need to scan more than one patient during the assessment. You may already know their competence, so they should be able to readily demonstrate these. If not, further opportunities may help, especially if some or all views were challenging. Directly observed scanning provides the opportunity to question the candidate on relevant aspects, such as how to recognise various pathologies that may not be evident in that particular patient.
The Triggered Assessment form (available on the candidate’s ICS Learning Portal) is divided into 3 sections: preparation, the scan, and post scan.
Preparation
This focuses on interaction with:
- the patient
- their clinical background
- the machine
- the immediate environment
The Scan
This focuses on:
- probe handling
- image acquisition
- image interpretation
- clinical integration
Post Scan
This focuses on:
- Image storage
- Cleaning of machine
- Feedback of findings to patient (if appropriate)
How to Recognise a Successful and Unsuccessful Candidate
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate each and every one of these competencies during the assessment, resulting in a pass. If they fail to do so, they should fail and resit following a period of focussed training.
Assessment is an important stage of the training process because it represents entry into the clinical POCUS workforce and independent practise, with all its potential pitfalls. Candidates who lack competence should not proceed.
If you are not sure, it is very reasonable to involve another FUSIC Trainer (or previous Supervisor if you know of any) for a second opinion. And if you would like advice and support from the FUSIC committee, please don’t hesitate to contact learning@ics.ac.uk .
What Happens After a Successful Triggered Assessment
Completion of FUSIC Accreditation
Triggered Assessment is the final stage of FUSIC training and, assuming that they have completed all other components satisfactorily, successful candidates will have the opportunity to apply for accreditation. They will need your name and signature on the candidates Summary of Training Record document.
All completed documentation is then loaded to the Soceity's Lerning Portal by the candidate.
If you have any furhter questions, please don't hestiate to contact learning@ics.ac.uk and one of our team will be ready to help.