BSGE endorsed recommendations to support nurse appraisal by the employing Trusts

Activity

All nurse hysteroscopists will be performing diagnostic procedures but therapeutic interventions will vary according to the particular nurses role and skill sets. As a general principle, quality assurance (audit) is more important than activity. Diagnostic hysteroscopy includes blind / directed endometrial biopsy and coil fitting / replacement. Operative hysteroscopy includes directed removal of ‘lost’ coils, polypectomy, myomectomy and endometrial ablation.

For operative hysteroscopy the nurse should undertake the relevant training to the specific device, complete log book/sign off for that device with their trainer then ensure this is reflected within the job description at local trust.

As a guide we would recommend the following:

Activity

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy 100 / year
• Operative hysteroscopy* 20 / year
  *Only if the nurse hysteroscopist is expected to deliver a ‘see and treat service’

Quality Assurance

• Completion and submission of BSGE SICS data for hysteroscopic procedures
• Undertaking an annual audit of patient satisfaction (recommend using the BSGE patient survey tool as benchmarking possible)
• Review with lead clinician for hysteroscopy service annually which becomes part of the professional development record for scrutiny by nurse line manager
• Audit(s) should be included in the 3 yearly revalidation process with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Consider utilising the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) curriculum / assessment materials (e.g. OSATS, reflective practice, NOTSS, Mini-CEX, CbD) for the Advanced Training Skills Module (ATSM) in Benign Gynaecological Surgery – Hysteroscopy (BGSH) to inform appraisals with lead clinician, line manager and NMC.

Education

A nurse hysteroscopist should be a member of the BSGE. We would recommend attendance at a relevant educational meeting every year but an absolute minimum of every two years. Specifically:

• Attendance at a BSGE arranged event at least every 2 years. These can include:
  • Annual Scientific Meeting
  • Ambulatory Care Network
  • BSGE/RCOG advanced hysteroscopy course
  • Single topic meeting (if related to hysteroscopy)

• Other relevant, non-BSGE, educational meetings
  • Global Congress of Hysteroscopy
  • European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy organised meetings
  • American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopy organised meetings
  • Industry sponsored meetings (especially those with a nurse hysteroscopy / ambulatory theme)

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