Competency Assessment for Technicians

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of competency assessment?

To evaluate an employee's annual salary changes

To measure the total experience of an employee in the organization

To determine a technician's ability to perform assigned job duties correctly (correct)

To assess an individual's overall job satisfaction

How often should new employees be assessed after starting testing?

Only once, after twelve months of employment

First assessment within seven months and second assessment within twelve months (correct)

Every two years regardless of performance

Every three months until confident

Which of the following is NOT one of the six elements of competency assessment?

Direct observations of routine test performance

Monitoring the recording and reporting of test results

Self-assessment surveys completed by the employee (correct)

Evaluation of problem-solving skills

What is included in the direct observations of routine test performance?

Patient/sample identification and preparation Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment method focuses on the recording of quality control results?

Review of intermediate test results and quality control records Signup and view all the answers

When should competency assessments be performed annually?

For all employees regardless of performance issues Signup and view all the answers

What is assessed during the monthly supervisory review process?

Intermediate test results and quality control records Signup and view all the answers

What type of skills are evaluated as part of the competency assessment?

Problem-solving skills Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for performing competency assessments for technical supervisors and laboratory doctors?

Section heads Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for records supporting competency assessments?

Be linked to the original record Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken first if an employee's performance does not meet competency standards?

Discuss the procedure with the employee Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of remediation action that can be taken for an employee who does not perform competently?

Have the employee observe another trained staff member Signup and view all the answers

Who oversees the competency assessments of all section heads?

Laboratory director Signup and view all the answers

What should happen to an employee who has not been retrained and reassessed as competent?

They must not perform the task or report results Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily evaluated in competency assessments?

Complexity of the testing being assessed Signup and view all the answers

Which governing standard is related to the assessment of competency in laboratories?

CAP Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Competency Assessment

Competency assessment is evaluating the ability of technicians and technologists to perform job duties correctly, adhering to section policies and procedures.
This evaluation measures an individual's ongoing ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results.

Competency Assessment - Frequency

New employees: First assessment within seven months of starting, a second no later than 12 months.
All employees: Annually, or when there are issues with performance, or after any new training.

Competency Assessment - Six Elements

Direct Observations: Observing routine test performance, including sample identification, preparation, specimen collection, handling, processing, and testing.
Monitoring & Reporting: Monitoring and reporting test results, including critical results.
Review of Records: Reviewing intermediate test results, worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results, preventive maintenance records, and instrument maintenance data. This includes a monthly supervisory review of these records.
Instrument Maintenance & Function Checks: Observing instrument maintenance and function checks.
Test Performance Assessment: Evaluating test performance, testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing specimens, or external proficiency testing specimens, and reviewing performance in proficiency testing or alternative performance assessment records.
Problem-Solving Skills: Evaluating problem-solving skills, monthly reviewing corrective action logs where quality control or instrument function problems occurred.

Competency Assessment - Assessor Qualifications

Assessors must have the education and experience to evaluate the complexity of the tested procedures.
Section heads assess technical supervisors and laboratory physicians in their sections.
Section supervisors assess lab staff seniors and staff in their sections.
Lab medical directors assess all section heads' responsibilities.

Competency Corrective Action

Section heads determine additional training needed to bring employees' performance up to standards.
Examples of remediation include discussing the procedure, retraining, clarifying misunderstandings, having employees observe trained staff, and practicing procedures with blind samples.
Employees are not allowed to perform the task or report results until retrained and reassessed. Remediation actions are documented on a competency form.

Review and Approval

The lab director ensures sufficient personnel with appropriate qualifications, documented training, experience, and competency are in place to meet lab needs.
Included are the assessor, head of section, and lab medical director.

Standards

CAP standards include multiple GEN numbers and DRA 11300.
Other relevant standard is CBAHI LB.5.

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Description

This quiz evaluates the competency assessment process for technicians and technologists. It covers evaluation frequency, essential elements, and adherence to policies. Test your knowledge on direct observations, record reviews, and reporting procedures.