The Importance Of Case Study Documentation

from the Fall 1997 issue

Lack of sufficient detail concerning the experience and training of the Medical and Technical Directors and the medical and technical staff is one of the most common problems found in applications for accreditation. All self study documents are checked for completeness by the ICAVL staff prior to being sent to the application reviewers and the Board Of Directors for evaluation. Laboratories that do not provide detailed, specific, individual descriptions of the experience and training of each person involved in the laboratory run the risk of having the accreditation decision deferred until a sufficiently detailed description is provided.

It is necessary to provide a detailed, specific description of how each individual learned either to perform the vascular examinations or to interpret the test results. Documentation of training is important regardless of the length of time since that training period. If training was gained through a fellowship or residency, the specific portions of those programs relative to vascular testing should be described. If experience was gained through attendance at an educational program, then the course name, date, location, sponsoring organization, number of hours and lectures, and any hands-on experience should be specifically described.

Many technologists have gained experience and training in vascular testing through "on the job" (OTJ) training. In these instances, it is necessary to describe the OTJ in specific detail, including the length of the training phase, didactic materials, lectures, number of hours of observation, and number of hours or examinations performed under supervision. Additionally, a description of the methods to determine completion of training or of the competency of an individual to perform solo examinations should be included.

Since none of the information regarding experience and training will have to be submitted when applying for reaccreditation, it is absolutely essential to provide detailed, specific information for each medical and technical staff member, as well as the Medical and Technical Directors. It is never sufficient to simply state '15 years experience,' 'on the job training,' have published numerous articles,' or 'see curriculum vitae.' Thorough documentation of the experience and training of every person performing or interpreting vascular examinations is vital to the timely accreditation of applicant laboratories.

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