ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

chapter  2

Competency Assessment 1. Each technologist will be required to demonstrate competency after orientation or initial training and annually thereafter. 2. An instructional resource notebook/computer file that contains information needed to demonstrate competency will be available ( see Appendix 2.2). 2.1 Additional competency assessment tools are available (listed in the related documents section). 3. Identified learning needs will be satisfied and a follow-up competency assessment administered. 4. The medical director, manager, or supervisor may perform the competency assessment. 5. The competency assessment involves three parts: 5.1. Theory and general information (where the technologist is asked to write some basic information) 5.2. Equipment and supply preparation 5.3. Implementation of procedures or techniques (if possible, this will occur using a naive patient). 6. It is not necessary for each technologist to demonstrate competency annually for all tests or procedures per- formed. The laboratory can choose those areas it deems important. The following areas are recommended for competency evaluation: Spirometry Bronchodilator or methacholine administration Lung volume determination using the body plethysmograph and/or gas dilution/washout techniques Diffusing capacity Arterial blood gas collection and analysis

Miscellaneous tests (e.g., cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6-minute-walk) Emergency procedures if laboratory performs exercise tests and challenges

7. Documentation of the competency assessment will be made using an appropriate form (example in Appendix 2.2), which is stored in the employee’s department file.

References 1. American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory General Laboratory Task Force. Standardization of lung function testing: general considerations for lung function testing. Eur Respir J 2005;26:153–161. 2. Mahler DA, Loke J. The pulmonary function laboratory. Clin Chest Medicine 1989;10:129–134. 3. American Thoracic Society. ATS respiratory care committee position paper: director of pulmonary function laboratory. ATS News 1978;4:6. 4. AmericanThoracic Society. Pulmonary function laboratory personnel qualifications. Am Rev Respir Dis 1986;134:623–624. 5. American Thoracic Society. Quality assurance in pulmonary function laboratories. Am Rev Respir Dis 1986;134:625–627.

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