epoc implementation for exisiting I-stat users
Our facility is switching to epoc from I-stat in the ED department. I am the only POCC at my facility and I do all non-waived initial training assessment. The 6 month and annual competency is done by 2 other ED super users who have Bachelor's degree in Nursing and 2 years experience with using I-stat.
My question is related to GEN 53625 and specifically this part …..
The technical consultant must be qualified by education and experience by one of the following combinations:
Bachelor's degree....with at east two years of training and/or experience in nonwaived testing*.
I called CAP to ask about training requirements and ongoing competency assessment requirements. CAP said that although we will be transitioning to a different test system but using same mechanics and same chemistry experience, that we do not need to treat epoc as a completely new non-waived system. That as long as my existing operators had been using I-stat all this time, they would not be considered new users, and would not even need 6 month competency assessment for epoc. Also that my technical consultants could continue doing annual competencies for epoc even if they hadn't used this particular meter for 2 years, as long they had a Bachelor's degree and had used I-stat for 2 years.
I was surprised by the response.
Anyone else have experience with this issue? And what are you doing to stay compliant?
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I agree. A new instrument or device does NOT put one back to 0 year of experience.
Thanks for sharing that. That is not the answer I would have expected from CAP though it totally makes sense.
I agree - it's 2 years of experience with moderately complex testing, not a specific instrument. I always look at the main lab as an example, when we switch chem or heme analyzers we do not have everyone who's been there for 20 years do a 6 month competency on the new analyzer. It's all about experience and critical thinking learned from running that level of testing.
For a seasoned I-STAT operator, the Epoc might not be too different. But for those operators who do not use I-STAT a lot , I would recommend to treat the Competency for EPOC as a new non-waived test. The same person who designed I-STAT is the same one who designed Epoc. Granting the chemistry is the same, there are subtle differences between the 2 systems. Do the training, orientation 6 months and 6 months again. The direct observation on the EPOC will really help the NEW operator.
I find the sample inoculation for the Epoc require a technique to know when there is already enough sample into the cartridge if not you can have blood all over the counter. The new operator really need to watch this step in Epoc.
Qualifying for the technical consultant makes sense to me, but I am very surprised by the answer regarding 6 month competency assessment!
Thanks everyone for the feedback. We did check with CAP again and the response was the same. That is good to know going forward as well.