Description of Courses

Description of Core Courses

Gynae Cytology (See NHSCSP Publication No12)

Introductory Course in Cervical Cytopathology

Duration: 4 Weeks Attendance: 8 Candidates max. ™ LBC system: Surepath ,.

This course is for trainee non-medical staff, BMS’s and cytology screeners. The course is governed by NHSCSP guidelines, and places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Fee: £1000 or free to north west regional staff.

 Objectives

The objective of the introductory course in cervical cytopathology is to provide candidates with theoretical and practical instruction in cervical cytology. The course is designed to prepare candidates to take the examination for the NHSCSP Certificate in Cervical Cytology, and is part of the formal structured programme of training described in the NHSCSP Cervical Cytopathology Training Log

 City & Guilds Diploma Since July 2007, all new trainees are being enrolled on the new City & Guilds Diploma in Cervical Cytology, the content of which is based on the original NHSCSP logbook. Whilst enrolled with City & Guilds, all trainees undergoing the programme are referred to as “candidates”. They are expected to complete 12 learning units, with ongoing assessment being based on successful completion of assignment tasks within each unit. These are assessed by their Assessor (formerly training officer), and verified regularly by the Internal Verifier (Training Centre Manager) with whom the candidate is registered. More details can be found on the C&G website. (http://www.cityandguilds.com/48113.html? search_term=3166)

 Preparation Candidates should commence the course during the first 6 months of their employment. A preliminary period of at least 6 weeks work in a cytology laboratory is recommended for candidates to obtain the maximum benefit from the course. During this time, the candidates should be taught how to use a microscope to visualise cells for interpretation. It is also important that the candidate is properly inducted into the C&G programme so that they are aware of policies and procedures

 Course organisation The introductory course is of 4 weeks duration (120 hours), and is on a full time basis. Occasionally the course is run over two 2 week blocks, separated by a week back at the laboratory. This is indicated when dates are announced, and are always completed within a 6 week period. Course content The course conforms to the former NHSCSP Cervical Cytopathology Training Log and the City & Guilds Diploma in Cervical Cytology. The syllabus for the introductory course is based on the portfolio for the Diploma in Cervical Cytology.

 Teaching methods The course is delivered using a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Candidates will receive teaching from BMS tutors and consultant medical staff.

 Microscopy time Approximately 80 hours of the course is given over to practical microscopy of which approximately 20 hours is on a multi-headed teaching microscope under the supervision of an experienced cytologist.

 Candidate assessment A structured assessment system is used throughout the course to test the knowledge, understanding and skills of the candidate. The assessment consists of weekly written, screening and interpretive tests. Candidates are assessed at the end of each week of the course and the results are discussed with them individually. Each candidate has a formal assessment report at the end of the course, a copy of which is to be sent to the medical and scientific heads of the cytology department where the trainee is employed and to the departmental assessor/training officer.

 Portfolio/Training log The general progress of the candidate within the laboratory is recorded in a portfolio of completed assignment tasks and assessment reports in accordance with City & Guilds standards.

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Follow-up course Duration: 1 Week Attendance: 8 candidates max. ™ LBC system: Surepath ,

This course is for non medical staff, BMS’s and cyto screeners (candidates) who have attended the introductory course. Fee: free (after attending introductory course)

 Objective The introductory course is supported by a follow-up course. This course is designed to revise topics taught during the introductory course, consolidate skills, identify any problem areas and provide additional remedial teaching if necessary.

 Course organisation The Follow-up course is arranged approximately 9 months after the introductory course (range 6 – 12 months). It consists of 5 days with 30 hours of training, delivered as one- week block.

 Course content Content and teaching methods complement those used during the introductory course.

 Candidate assessment Candidates are assessed at the end of the course and the results discussed with each individual. Each candidate has a formal assessment report at the end of the course, a copy of which is to be sent to the medical and scientific heads of the cytology department where the trainee is employed and to the departmental assessor/training officer.

Fee: free (after attending introductory course)

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Pre-examination course for Diploma in Cervical Cytology

Duration: 3 Days Attendance: maximum 8 candidates ™ LBC system: Surepath , (or ThinPrep by arrangement).

 Objective The objective of the Pre-examination course is to give candidates practice for sitting the Diploma in Cervical Cytology

 Course organisation The course is normally taken between 3 months and 3 weeks before the examination for which the candidate is entered. The course lasts 3 days.

 Course content The course includes: o revision of the knowledge and understanding that are tested in the written examination o practice in the screening and interpretive techniques that are tested in the practical examination o two mock examinations and discussion

 Candidate assessment Candidates are assessed at the end of the course and their results are discussed with them individually. If the candidate’s performance gives cause for concern, the Training Centre Manager (Internal Verifier) discusses this with the candidate and their own departmental Assessor. This course is not compulsory but is recommended. It is usually arranged to tie in with the set examination dates. Candidates may come from any area in the U.K Fee: £200 or free to north west regional staff. Update courses

 Objectives The objective of these courses is to inform qualified staff working in the screening programme about developments in cervical cytology and the NHSCSP, and to enable them to meet their professional requirements for continuing professional development (CPD). It is mandatory that the requirements of the NHSCSP Publication No 3 – “QA GUIDELINES FOR THE CERVICAL SCREENING PROGRAMME” be fulfilled by all screeners, reporters, and trainers.

™ NWCTC update courses in Surepath , but ThinPrep® LBC system can be catered for by request, provided a viable course can be arranged. 3 day blocks and one-day updates are available.

Fee: £350 or free to north west regional staff (3 days) £100 or free to north west regional staff (1 day events)

Other information:

Text books and the NHSCSP atlas are available for viewing (non-removable).

Early and late opening of the training centre can be organised by prior arrangement with the manager – particularly useful for some of the block training courses.