Patient Safety Policy For Remote Assessors Monitoring Trainees

1. Scope

This policy applies to all remote assessors and dental nurse trainees involved in online assessments, as part of the dental nurse training programme.

2. Purpose

This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for remote assessors involved in monitoring the safety and clinical competence of dental nurse trainees through online assessments.

It ensures that patient safety is maintained at all times, in line with industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.

3. Responsibilities of the Remote Assessor

Remote assessors must follow this policy to ensure that patient safety is maintained in all aspects of their online monitoring and assessments. The key responsibilities include:

  • Adherence to Clinical Standards: Assessors must ensure that all actions and practices demonstrated by the trainee during the assessment comply with national clinical standards, including infection control, patient confidentiality, and health and safety regulations.
  • Clear Communication: Ensure clear and continuous communication with trainees regarding patient safety practices and expectations.
  • Monitoring Performance: Observe the trainee’s performance in providing safe and effective care, ensuring they meet clinical competencies safely and competently via a witness account
  • Feedback and Guidance: Provide constructive feedback to the trainee, highlighting areas for improvement and reinforcing best practices for patient safety.

4. Key Guidelines for Remote Monitoring of Patient Safety

4.1. Infection Control and Hygiene Protocols
    • Ensure that trainees demonstrate knowledge and adherence to infection control protocols in clinical settings.
    • While assessing a remote learner, the assessor should ensure that the trainee discusses, explains, and demonstrates understanding of infection control practices, including sterilisation, hand hygiene, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
    • Ensure trainees understand the importance of maintaining a sterile field during procedures and the correct disposal of clinical waste.
4.2. Use of Safe Practices in Patient Handling
    • Monitor the trainee’s understanding and application of safe patient handling practices. This includes ensuring proper techniques for patient positioning and ensuring the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
    • As the assessment is conducted remotely, assessors should ensure that trainees provide verbal confirmation of correct posture, ergonomics, and procedures.
4.3. Observing and Communicating Patient Safety Issues
    • Encourage trainees to demonstrate and explain the steps taken in clinical procedures, especially where there could be risks to patient safety (e.g., during extractions, X-rays, or the administration of anaesthesia).
    • Ensure that the trainee is aware of the need to identify patient safety risks such as allergic reactions or complications, and discuss emergency procedures to handle such situations.
    • Remotely monitor how the trainee identifies and communicates potential risks or hazards to the supervising clinician or other team members.
4.4. Clinical Documentation and Record Keeping
    • Remote assessors must ensure that trainees understand and practice accurate and timely clinical record keeping, including the documentation of patient care, consent forms, treatment plans, and progress notes.
    • Ensure that trainees understand the importance of confidentiality and how to securely store patient information.

5. Remote Assessment Procedures

  • Pre-Assessment Checks: Prior to conducting remote assessments, ensure the trainee has access to the correct equipment and resources (e.g., online platform, video conferencing tools) to allow for clear communication and demonstration of their knowledge.
  • Direct Observation: Although remote, assessors should encourage trainees to simulate or explain clinical procedures in detail, ensuring they describe the correct process and rationale behind each step to demonstrate competence.
  • Documentation and Reporting: Record all observations and feedback provided to the trainee during the remote assessment. Ensure that feedback is constructive, specific, and focused on improving the trainee’s clinical practices.
  • Follow-up Action: If concerns arise regarding a trainee’s ability to perform certain procedures safely, the assessor must work with the course director or clinical mentor to address these concerns. This may involve additional training or a more detailed in-person assessment where necessary.

6. Confidentiality and Data Protection

  • Remote assessors must ensure that all information gathered during remote assessments is handled in compliance with GDPR and patient confidentiality regulations.
  • Trainees must be reminded of the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and the secure handling of patient data in all assessments.

7. Escalation Process

If a remote assessor identifies concerns about the trainee’s ability to maintain patient safety or demonstrate competent practice, the following steps should be taken:

    1. Immediate Feedback: Discuss concerns with the trainee immediately and provide feedback regarding areas of improvement.
    2. Report Concerns: If the concern persists, report the issue to the Course Director for further investigation.
    3. Investigation and Review: The Course Director will assess the situation, which may include additional support, remedial training, or in-person assessments to ensure patient safety standards are met.

8. Monitoring and Review

  • The Patient Safety Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains in line with current guidelines and regulations for dental practice and online learning environments.
  • Feedback from remote assessors, learners, and employers will be used to improve the effectiveness of this policy.