Ear Irrigation for Health Care Assistants
What's covered on the day?
This course is aimed at experienced Health Care Assistants who will be working in a clinical capacity and will be delegated ear irrigation after assessment of the patient by a Registered Practitioner. The course is designed to ensure those Health Care Assistants who are expected to irrigate, are able to do so confidently and safely. It provides knowledge and practical guidance which, together with mentorship, should enable Health Care Assistants to fulfil this extended role.
Assessment
The attendees of this course will undertake a variety of assessment methods both whilst on the course and when in practice. There is a formal written exam on the second day of the course with a pass mark of 60%. There is continued assessment through the submission of a case study on completion of the programme and after a period of supervised practice.
The mentor/supervisor of the HCA is required to attend the 1st day of the course also, to understand the requirements whilst in practice and whilst under supervision. There is an expectation that at least 20 patients will be assessed and treated within a 3 month period.
Learning Objectives
- Review the anatomy and physiology of the ear
- State the considerations required around consent and informed consent
- Recognise perforations of the ear drum and what action to take in this situation
- Define Cholesteatoma and its significance to clinical practice
- Discuss how hearing aids can affect irrigation practices and specific guidance for wearers
- Recognise the correct equipment for ear irrigation
