Diploma in Clinical Technology

Purpose

The Diploma in Clinical Technology is a professional 360 Credit Degree on Level 6 of the NQF. The purpose of this qualification is to deliver qualifying learners who will be eligible to register with the HPCSA and will thus contribute in answering to the need of clinical technologists in the province and South Africa at large.

The qualification is aligned with the needs of the industry and envisages to educate and train technologists with high levels of technology and the ability to develop strategies towards innovation and engagement, aligned with the vision and mission of the institution.

The qualification further envisages developing a competent professional who can conduct amongst others, clinical technology practices at the forefront of a single field of specialisation, relevant research, management of related teams and quality assurance.

This qualification will provide knowledge of fundamental fields of study in sciences, such as Anatomy and Physiology as well as areas of research in clinical sciences, such as but not limited to clinical technology instrumentation, clinical technology practice and biomedical apparatus. This knowledge will play a crucial role in the upliftment of clinical skills and standards, regionally and nationally and will provide health care services at large. Qualifying learners will also be able to work under supervision at their workplaces.

This qualification will enable the professional to competently integrate theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to the solution of well-defined and abstract problems in the selected field of clinical science. The learner will be able to become a reflective practitioner and a life-long student in his or her profession, thereby benefiting the community and society.

Rationale

This qualification is in response to these national imperatives from the Department of Health that the Professional Board for Radiography and Clinical Technology at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) reviewed the health care qualifications and to ensure their compliance with latest national requirements.

Currently, there is a demand for highly skilled and suitably qualified Clinical Technologists as a health care resource. The envisaged qualification is structured to meet this need through the development of higher-level competencies. The health care sector requires the acquisition of advanced skills to meet the legislative and operational requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The flexibility of career steering for Clinical Technologists both vertically and horizontally is possible through personal growth and job advancement within and across the health sector.

Given the need for and the scarcity of professionally qualified Clinical Technologists in South Africa, the offering of this qualification will play a crucial role in the upliftment of standards in the field of clinical technology in the country.

The Diploma in Clinical Technology qualification is designed to develop a competent professional with the knowledge and skills required for clinical science, and experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Based on the information provided, the learner must draft a written application for submission to the Assessment and Graduation Unit.

The learner is subject to substantive assessment by the responsible person(s) within the relevant academic department, and provide a report on this assessment to the Assessment and Graduation Unit.

Unless otherwise decided by the Dean of the relevant Faculty, all other rules regulating learner conduct shall apply to all the assessment. The suitable examiners/assessors will assess the learner's performance.

If a learner's performance in the reassessment is not up to standard, the examiner/assessor must take this into account in considering the possible downward modification of the substantive screening results.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma Studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6; and elective modules at Level 7, totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory modules at Level 5, totalling 126 Credits

• Anatomy I, Level 5, 30 Credits.
• Physiology I, Level 5, 30 Credits.
• Physics I, Level 5, 12 Credits.
• Chemistry I, Level 5, 12 Credits.
• Calculations and Statistics I, Level 5, 12 Credits.
• Psychodynamics I, Level 5, 15 Credits.
• English proficiency, Level 5, 9 Credits.
• Computer Application I, Level 5, 6 Credits.

Compulsory modules at Level 6, totalling 114 Credits

• Anatomy and Physiology II, Level 6, 27 Credits.
• Biomedical Apparatus and Procedures I, Level 6, 30 Credits.
• Organ and System Pathophysiology II, Level 6, 30 Credits.
• Pharmacology II, Level 6, 27 Credits.

Elective modules at Level 7, select modules totalling 120 Credits per Stream.

Cardiology Stream

• Work-integrated Learning: Cardiology: Clinical Technology III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Cardiology: Biomedical Apparatus III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Cardiology: Clinical Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.

Nephrology Stream

• Work-integrated Learning: Nephrology: Clinical Technology Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Nephrology: Biomedical Apparatus III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Nephrology: Clinical Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.

Neurophysiology Stream

• Work-integrated Learning: Neurophysiology: Clinical Technology Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Neurophysiology: Biomedical Apparatus III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Neurophysiology: Clinical Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.

Pulmonology Stream

• Work-integrated Learning: Pulmonology: Clinical Technology Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Pulmonology: Biomedical Apparatus III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Pulmonology: Clinical Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.

Critical Care Stream

• Work-integrated Learning: Critical Care: Clinical Technology Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Critical Care: Biomedical Apparatus III, Level 7, 40 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning: Critical Care: Clinical Practice III, Level 7, 40 Credits.

1. Perform and monitor safety, health, environmental and quality assurance procedures in the clinical environment to ensure professional service and safety of all.
2. Apply scientific and technological knowledge for the management of the patient during clinical procedures in Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Critical Care, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology or Reproductive Biology.
3. Perform therapeutic, corrective procedures and organ system support on patients using specialised health technology to facilitate the management of the patient.
4. Apply management principles and concepts in the health establishment to ensure professional, legal and ethical service delivery.
5. Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills in a clinical environment.
6. Plan, design, and conduct research in a specific clinical science specialisation relating to a particular context of practice and application to the benefit of the patient.
7. Apply business performance management practices.
8. Design and implement experiential learning in the workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 1

• Explain and apply relevant aspects of the current occupational health and safety legislation in a clinical context to ensure professional service and the safety of all.
• Adhere to safety measures for the performance of specified procedures to safeguard all stakeholders.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures for safety in the work environment in compliance with the current relevant legislation to mitigate litigation.
• Describe procedures to be followed in the event of fire and emergency situations for the safety of all.
• Explain the prevention of and procedures followed in the event of acute penetrable injury for safety of all.
• Demonstrate knowledge of infection control, sterilisation principles and methods applied in terms of Best Operating Practices (BOP) to minimise infection and contamination.
• Demonstrate knowledge of health care risk waste management procedures to ensure the safety of workplace environment.
• Evaluate standards used in the performance of procedures according to documented criteria to establish adherence to minimum requirements.
• Interpret and remediate problems related to malfunctioning of equipment that affect procedures and results.
• Apply the principles of quality control in the context of the procedures performed to ensure quality service.
• Compare test results to a standard norm and take corrective action to address variances.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and physiological chemistry in a clinical context.
• Explain Pathophysiological conditions in context when performing clinical procedures to ensure compliance.
• Describe Pathophysiological conditions affecting results when performing clinical procedures.
• Explain bio-physical/scientific principles by which different types of equipment function in terms of clinical procedures to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the systems.
• Explain principles, methods and application of different test procedures in context to ensure accuracy and effective monitoring of the processes.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the clinical pharmacological and related fields to facilitate patient management.
• Recognise equipment-related factors that affect procedures and results for remediation, referral or problem-solving for effective patient management.
• Evaluate results according to the clinical history of the patient and submit reports to the referring medical practitioner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 3

• Apply diagnostic, therapeutic, corrective procedures and organ system support of physiological dysfunctions and required procedures for optimal patient care.
• Apply problem-solving skills in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutic, corrective procedures and organ system support to resolve them according to health policies and standard operating procedures.
• Explain the specialised procedures, risks and side effects to the patient and family with due regard for ethical diversity to ensure equitable health care delivery.
• Explain the implications of compliance and non-compliance to requirements with legal liability and the protection of both patient and practitioner.
• Explain the specific manner for preparing the patient and equipment for the therapy step- by -step according to the procedure to alleviate anxiety and maximise compliance.
• Monitor the patient's physiological and general psychological reaction to the therapy, and report to the referring medical practitioner for effective patient care.
• Administer relevant drugs and report any side effects to the referring medical practitioner for effective patient care.
• Interpret the outcome of the procedure and take remedial action.
• Explain the appropriate requirements for post-treatment care to the patient and family for rehabilitation purposes.
• Communicate the outcomes of the specialised procedures to other applicable health care professionals for information and continuing treatment.
• Correlate, interpret and evaluate results based on knowledge of physiological and pathophysiological conditions that may affect outcomes and submit to the referring medical practitioner for appropriate action.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 4

• Manage self, time and resources efficiently to ensure professional and ethical service delivery.
• Treat all health care practitioners and patients and significant others with due respect based on the principles of human rights, ethics and medical law to uphold human dignity.
• Apply legal, professional and institutional policies in managing human resources to ensure compliance in a clinical environment.
• Explain the functions of the relevant statutory health councils and recognised professional associations in terms of the services they offer to the profession.
• Manage administrative functions to ensure proper record keeping and use of consumables for auditing control.
• Investigate the physical and human resource requirements needed to equip and staff a clinical facility/unit.
• Compile a budget following the current legislation applicable to public finance to ensure the financial needs of a clinical unit within the scope of relevant economic policies.
• Apply and evaluate training and continuing professional development qualifications for a personal application and fellow personnel.
• Assess the performance of self and others according to the norms of the health care environment for the provision of quality service.
• Demonstrate the completion of medico-legal reporting for compliance with prescribed procedures.
• Investigate public liability insurance and malpractice insurance for clinical practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal skills in a clinical context for optimum service delivery.
• Use retrieval systems (electronic and non-electronic) for information gathering.
• Apply and integrate relevant information to solving problems and accomplishing specific applications.
• Apply acknowledged academic referencing procedures to avoid plagiarism.
• Apply industry-specific software information technology skills to ensure professional services.
• Describe the impact of socio-cultural, emotional and religious factors on human behaviour and communication in clinical context.
• Apply counselling skills to inform patients about treatment procedures and management of conditions.
• Apply conflict management, negotiation, mediation and collaboration in the clinical context to facilitate resolutions to problems.
• Plan a wellness qualification in conjunction with management to deal with stress and burnout.
• Compile medico-legal reports concisely, comprehensively, clearly and courteously for transparency.
• Present patient cases systematically to other medical professionals for any legitimate purpose within the ordinary qualification and scope of health practitioners duties.
• Record patient information accurately and efficiently to assure optimal patient management.
• Explain the benefit of meetings, networking and collaboration within the clinical science and medical profession in terms of service delivery.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 6

• Identify research problems and articulate to initiate research projects.
• Investigate quantitative and qualitative research methods to identify possible research strategies to address identified issues.
• Apply statistical research methods in chosen research.
• Review and evaluate research publications.
• Develop a mini research proposal within either Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Critical Care, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology or Reproductive Biology.
• Apply the principles of research ethics.
• Collect data using appropriate methods.
• Interpret data using appropriate statistical tools.
• Present relevant research findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 7

• Specify the objectives of the business in terms of the mission and vision statement.
• Design a business plan in terms of the objectives to be practised.
• Describe quality control measures in term of the business financial aspects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 8

• Specify expected outcomes according to the level of competence of the learner in collaboration with the relevant workplace mentors and supervisors.
• Design workbooks following expected outcomes, required learning experience and in agreement with workplace mentors and supervisors.
• Place learners by required work experience and learner level of competence.
• Design a system of record-keeping of learners' achievements and assessments in agreement with workplace mentors.

Integrated Assessment

The integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods for example: written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, logbooks, clinical reports, assessment of clinical competence through simulated and clinical assessment in situ, and the successful completion of a mini-dissertation.

Clinical Competence

Clinical competence is ensured by close supervision by clinical staff during the period of training. Learners need to complete a clinical work record based on integrated work experience with a specified minimum amount of cases to be recorded.

Clinical assessments are performed on actual patients to determine clinical competency in routine procedures in either Critical Care, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology or Reproductive Biology. To achieve clinical competency in this qualification, it is the requirement of the HPCSA that all learners complete a minimum of 3840 clinical hours at an accredited training facility and are mentored by a registered practitioner. On completion all learners must complete a competency-based test (CBT) to register with the HPCSA as a Clinical Technology Scientist in either Critical Care, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology or Reproductive Biology.

Integrated assessment

Formative assessment

• Workplace evaluation by peers and supervisors.
• Assignments.
• Written tests.
• Work schedule evaluations.
• Projects in teams.
• Reports on tasks and projects.

Summative assessment

• Workplace evaluation by supervisors.
• Project reports.
• Oral presentations.
• Interviews.
• Written and practical examinations.