HCPC Standards Of Proficiency Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Standards of Proficiency?
They set out safe and effective practice at a standard that they consider necessary to protect members of the public.
What is meant by ‘Your scope of practice’?
Area of my profession within which I have the relevant knowledge and skills to practice lawfully, safely and effectively in a way that does not pose any danger to the public or myself.
Are you expected to maintain standards of proficiency for the whole of your profession?
They understand that people become more specialised or focused once they are registered.
As long as I only practice in areas where i am proficient and safe, this is OK. Do not practice in areas unless proficient to do so.
If I want to work outside of my scope of practice then it is my responsibility to use my personal judgement and ensure I undertake any training or gain experience before moving into the new area.
How do I meet the standards?
They do not dictate how you meet them and they acknowledge there are many ways to meet the standards.
The way each standard is met may change over time due to improvements in technology or changes in practice.
What do I do if I am concerned that something I have been asked to do doesn’t meet the standards?
It is my responsibility to make this decision, I am responsible for my own registration.
If in doubt seek advice from employer, colleagues, professional bodies or the union to ensure the service is safeguarded at all times. As long as i can demonstrate that I have done this and can justify my decision it will be OK.
What is HCPC?
Health and care professionals council.
They are the UK regulator and set-up to protect the public.
Who do HCPC regulate?
A range of professionals including Clinical Scientists and Biomedical Scientists.
By law you must be registered with HCPC to use the title Clinical Scientist.
What do the standards of proficiency mean to me?
- there to protect the public but also to protect me, as long as I abide by the standards then any decisions I make etc will be correct
- conscious that I should know the limit of my practice and that I should know when to ask for help
- If I move to a new area it is my responsibility/I must use my own judgement to ensure I am safe to practice
- always act in the best interests of the patient
- that I must keep my skills and knowledge up to date without the structure of a training program, this will be important throughout my career
- have knowledge of confidentiality
- be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of service users, taking into account who I am speaking to e.g. clinician v admin assistant
- be self aware and mindful of the consequences of non-verbal communication
What are the HCPC Standards of Proficiency?
- they are the standards I must adhere to in my career to stay registered
- they ensure safe and effective practice
- are there to protect the public but also to protect me
