Waived initial training

We do initial training in person because most of it includes performing a demonstration of how the test is performed.  After initial training, subsequent years it is on line with the exception of Glucometers.  These are done in person yearly.

I called CAP because we were hoping to use an online learning interactive ppt for initial training at nursing orientation because the new nurses groups are so large now and we are staffing challenged.   CAP said no because it needed demonstration of the skills for test performance.  

All initial training, at orientation, is done including a demonstration.  Yearly, there is a Skills day monthly where users perform the Glucometer testing.  The nurse educators do yearly demonstrations on the Clinitek and have users perform the Strep A Screen.  So, I think that we care in compliance.

We do all initial training in person.  CAP item POC.06850 states that "each individual must have training and be evaluated for demonstration of the skills required for proper test performance of pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases of testing..."  It does not specifically state how to accomplish this, though.

I was always curious about POC.06850   It technically never say how to evaluate training.   We do have in person training, just curious to see if anyone only do e-learning training for instrument like the Clinitek. 

At Einstein we do both e-training and on site demonstration.

The information I gathered from TJC Standards and from a CAP inspector so I could use in my AACC "POC Boot Camp" presentation on training (only training, not competency assessment):
- TJC allows for waived testing virtual training
- CAP inspectors could allow virtual training under certain circumstances for waived testing based on the (required) written plan that the Lab Director writes and approves. This ties in that CAP allows waived competency based on the LD's training and competency plan. Make a solid case (e.g. of need to use virtual) and it should pass (we all know if it's an inspection done by a 'peer'/another lab, sometimes there are varying interpretations of right and wrong). 
Based on other responses given here, yes I'd now get a CAP response in writing before I changed from a 'we don't use virtual training' to a 'include virtual training to cover hardship/remote training'. 

Lastly, while training does not have to be 'by CLIA#' as competency assessment needs to be, doing 'in person' training for 1 new operator (at a time) related to the number of POC tests performed in remote clinics - is a continuous burden on manpower. That's an argument I'd make in our case.

Warm wishes,
Peggy