As well as the date when clinical training should be completed for renewal, it is also equally as important to know when to rebook a training course.
Renewal Periods Vary by Subject
The number of years that it takes to renew clinical training varies between subjects. For example, the annual refresher for training in medication management is usually required to be up to date within 12 months. Some clinical skills courses are valid for 2 or 3 years and then need to be renewed after this time.
Follow Official Guidance
The refresher timescales for workforce development are laid out in employer’s work force development frameworks. The recommended training renewal timescales for care staff are listed by Skills for Care, the body commissioned by CQC to support the care and support sector.
Spot the Warning Signs Early
Waiting until a staff member’s practice appears to be hesitant or lose confidence in their knowledge of how to complete a procedure would mean that refresher training has been delayed too late. Expiry date is the last point of action and prompt for a refresher.
Track Certificates in One Place
Track your certificates with a simple spreadsheet (see example below) and set a reminder 3 months before each is due to expire. Large teams can upload their staff’s certificates to your organisation’s dashboard.
When Training Has Already Lapsed
These would be considered as gaps in your team members’ competencies and you would look to complete the clinical training as soon as possible to ensure that they are able to complete clinical tasks safely and effectively. For Clinical Training Courses, see //www.tidaltraining.co.uk/clinical-training-courses/.
Tracking when each clinical skill needs to be refreshed helps keep both staff members and those they care for safe.