Screening Technician - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme

at  Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Communication Observe and care for men attending the screening clinic, liaising with administrative staff, nurses, medical and screening programme staff as appropriate and in the best interest of the patient and any escorts. Deal with anxious patients and their relatives with tact, patience and discretion. Recognise where communication difficulties arise and overcome barriers to understanding. Carry out other duties in accordance with the current guidelines and the programme protocol including: obtaining informed consent; putting patients at their ease, explaining the reasons for their invitation and answering any queries.
Communicate the outcome of the screening test to the man (this may be via his relative/carer or interpreter); provide additional information and offer support appropriate to the outcome/patient pathway. Work alongside other screening staff involved with the clinic and support the work of the screening programme. Keep the Screening Programme Coordinator/Manager and CST informed of caseload and any difficulties arising, seeking advice where necessary. Knowledge, Training & Experience Use knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the abdominal aorta to identify the area to be scanned and any measurements taken which are outside the normal range.
Apply specialist training and experience to manipulate ultrasound machine controls to gain maximum image optimisation. Apply experience and training to deliver outcome of the screening test clearly and correctly, ensuring the patient (and relative/carer) understand the outcome and any further action required Analysis & Judgement Analyse scan data to ensure the quality and other factors meet with agreed protocols. Download data electronically, inspect for abnormalities and flag / record as appropriate, decide on course of action from available options and send data to the screening office. Ensure that the screening office is notified as soon as possible about any results that are at variance with specified criteria or that are of concern.
Record clinical measurements and other information as required. Issue accurate scan reports for use in the AAA screening programme and for inspection by the Lead Ultrasound Clinician/Consultant Radiologist as required. Planning & Organisation Organise and carry out ultrasound scans of the abdominal aorta in accordance with current guidelines for sonographic scanning and the programme protocol. Ensure that scan results are despatched as soon as possible from off-site screening clinics to the screening office in a safe and confidential way.
Deal with medical and patient enquiries as appropriate, taking the initiative to prioritise work and to bring to the attention of medical or administrative staff any patient whose condition warrants it. Handle incidents and medical emergencies in a professional manner and in accordance with local policy, supporting other screening staff if appropriate Physical Skills Manipulates ultrasound equipment with high degree of accuracy and precision for maximum image optimisation. Safely and accurately manoeuvre equipment and patients for ultrasound scans. Patient Care Undertake ultrasound scanning on patients in accordance with protocols and standard operating procedures.
Ensure the safety, privacy and dignity of the patient, taking into consideration any cultural/religious or other needs. Policy & Service Development Participate in service reviews and actively put forward suggestions for improvement for own work area. Work within agreed protocols and operating procedures for scanning and care of patients. Observe the requirements of the Infection Control Policy in ensuring the cleanliness and tidiness of screening rooms.
Ensure that all clinic waste is disposed of according to local protocol. Ensure that all clinic equipment is packed up correctly at the end of a clinic and stored in a safe and secure location

Please refer the Job description for details