Fibroscan Technician

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive and dynamic Fibroscan Technician to work as part of the Liver Division at King’s College Hospital.

Fibro scans (transient elastography) are a non-invasive investigation which measure liver fibrosis and have increasing utility across viral hepatitis and hepatology services. This role will be central to the provision of a fibro scan service for patients with liver disease. The post holder will participate as a valued member of the liver service team, assisting with specific duties and taking responsibility for managing a delegated workload within the service under nursing supervision. The post holder will work closely with both the Outpatient and Hepatitis Nursing teams and other network partners, and will help to support delivery of the Fibroscan service across Denmark Hill. On a day to day basis the post holder will work with the Liver outpatient nursing team to ensure that the Fibroscan service is delivered within available resources to specified volumes, quality standards and carry out the job roles of a health care assistant.

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, enthusiastic, excellent inter-personal skills who is focused on delivering excellent patient care.

Full training will be provided relating to the use of the Fibroscan machine however previous experience working within a healthcare setting is essential.

Experience in working in the liver speciality is an advantage.

Main duties of the job

• Work effectively within the multi-disciplinary team
• Effectively deliver fibro scans to a high standard and in accordance with local and national training protocols
• Support the team in developing the fibro scan service
• Responsible for the maintenance of the fibro scan machine including calibration of the probes
• Support the team with accurate data collection and audits of the fibro scan service
• Act as a liaison for all healthcare professionals involved in health care provision to facilitate integrated patient focused care
• Record fibro scan results on EPIC
• Carry out other Health Care Assistant duty as required by LOPD

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

CLINICAL PRACTICE: • To be responsible for fibro scanning patients referred by members of the multi-disciplinary team and internal and external Hepatology Services. • Provide fibro scans across site, adopting standard protocols and in line with Trust policies and operational guidelines. • Ensure that equipment is prepared adequately prior to the procedure and to carry out fibro scans in a safe environment, following the manufacturers safety guidelines. • To communicate effectively with patients and family members, ensuring the procedure is explained fully, any questions are answered and verbal consent is obtained. • Be responsible for arranging calibration of fibro scan probes and machine maintenance when required, ensuring the equipment is in safe working order. • Implement safe working practices as required by the Health & Safety at Work Act. • To ensure completion of timely and comprehensive documentation in patient records in accordance with Trust standards. • Be responsible for generating a letter with the fibro scan results to the patient’s primary care provider and the referrer. • Maintain patient and carer confidentiality and preserve their dignity and privacy, at all times and in all situations.

EDUCATION: • Be willing to attend training to develop a basic knowledge of liver pathology, the theoretical principles behind elastography and limitations of fibro scan use. • Assist in providing up to date information for patients and be involved in regular reviews of educational literature, seeking service user views.

PLANNING AND ORGANISATION: • Participate in the implementation of new initiatives. • To be responsible for reporting incidents and potential risks to the Lead nurse/divisional clinical lead. • To maintain effective links within primary, secondary and tertiary care to ensure effective communication. • Contribute to the development of the fibro scan service across the Trust. • Participate in measures to actively manage and reduce risk to patients • To have an awareness of the Trust’s safeguarding adult’s policy and the procedures for dealing with vulnerable adults across primary Interviewer information pack and secondary care. • Work with and support the senior nurse specialist and other clinical staff to identify areas where changes to fibro scan practice are required and identify where opportunities exist to improve care and support for patients.

RESEARCH AND AUDIT: • To have an awareness of research processes, the evidence base for fibro scan use and the current trends in elastography. • Participate in local and/or national research and development initiatives as appropriate. • To utilise and maintain information systems to aid audit and to contribute to the provision of regular activity and analysis reports.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: 5.1 Take responsibility for self-development through the appraisal system and work towards completing agreed Personal Development Plan. 5.2 To keep up to date with relevant guidelines and protocols in relation to fibro scans. 5.3 Attend mandatory training and participate in continuing development and education.