Training Activities

Training Activities

HCSU did become increasingly involved in training for peer review and inspection processes. This had built on HCSU in house training and selection expertise developed over the past twelve years. With some adaptation and development this had been successfully transferred to the training of peer revieweyrs and inspection regimes for schemes outside HCSU.

Initially HCSU was approached by the National Cancer Action Team to guide them on the training requirements for the assessment of the National Cancer Standards as part of NHS Cancer Plan. HCSU has now delivered over thirty training events to senior healthcare professionals working in cancer services to prepare them to assess the adult, paediatric oncology centre, paediatric shared care and intrathecal standards. In addition, HCSU is currently involved in peer review training for the London  Breast Screening Quality Assurance Programme working with Nursing care.

HCSU had worked with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority to review the way in which inspectors for the authority are recruited, selected, trained, monitored as they carried out inspections and the on-going information and up-date training that was required. At the end of 2009 they worked with the Authority to facilitate two up-date days for existing inspectors. In February that year they facilitated an assessment centre for the selection of new inspectors. This involved a rigorous assessment process to ensure that inspectors had the requisite skills to effectively perform the inspection function.

With regard to primary care, for several years HCSU had been providing peer review training for two local quality improvement schemes, Leicestershire Blueprint and Sheffield Commitment to Quality for primary care practices.

The aim of all the training events was to provide participants with an understanding of the techniques required, whether this was for internal audit, peer review assessment or inspection. they worked with the organisation commissioning the training to ensure that they put over the philosophy which underpinned their approach and the required skills and application. This involved simulating aspects of the assessment process and giving participants the opportunity to practice the necessary skills. In addition, the content of the training included identifying evidence required to assess compliance, the assessment of documentation and statutory regulations, analysis of information gathered, carrying out assessment interviews, delivering feedback and report writing.