2023 Training Updates
We would like to communicate some very important changes to the way our training will be facilitated in 2023. We have restructured and standardised re way we deliver our courses in line with the QTCO curriculums / draft curriculums and accreditation requirements.
We have grappled for the longest time (20 years at least!) with the delivery of our courses in a way that is suitable for both the healthcare professionals and healthcare assistants all at the same time. From 2023 we will be running our courses as one full course in each of the key subjects (spiro, audio and vision) as usual BUT the difference is that assessments for healthcare assistants and healthcare professionals will be different and the certificates for each will be different.
The healthcare professional will achieve a Certificate of Competence in Conducting and Interpreting (the test) and the healthcare assistant will achieve a Certificate of Competence in Conducting (the test).
All learners will undertake the same course content to the point of evaluating a test result. Any information that is required for an operator to prepare for, conduct and evaluate results for validity everybody will learn. Then, only healthcare professionals or those wanting certification in both 1. conducting and 2. interpreting and managing results will be required to learn interpretation and results management. All operators are welcome to complete all sessions and take the exams but for those who do not need to or want to learn this are under no obligation to do so.
We are standardising the way we deliver all our courses. All theoretical course content will be delivered online by a live facilitator where there is opportunity for interaction, questions, answers, exercises etc.
Additionally, one in-person practical day is included in the price of the training where tests are demonstrated and the learners given mentored hands on time to get used to testing. Should an individual need more practical time or equipment to use for their portfolios of evidence collection they can arrange this with us at an additional cost (and bring their own subjects).
The tables below will be helpful in understanding the bigger picture about the structure and methods of training. These first table details the various aspects of each course and what is involved in each. The second table below that details the hours of learning required for each course and how these are divided into each different aspect.
| Steps | Component of Training | Method of Learning | Notes |
| 1 | Pre-learning | Self Study using the EFHA learning platform | Mandatory. Open book. Counts 10% of the overall course theoretical mark |
| 2 | Theory presentations including theoretical exercises | Live interactive facilitator led online training using Zoom | At set dates throughout the year. See training calendar. |
| 3 | End of chapter questions | Self Study using the EFHA learning platform | Mandatory. Open book. Counts 15% of the overall course theoretical mark |
| 4 | Practical in person days | In person practical practice and assessments | One practical day is included in the course fee. If more days are required this will attract a further cost. |
| 5 | Theory assessment | Online using the EFHA learning platform | The first attempt is included in the course fee. Further attempts will attract a cost. |
| 6 | Workplace portfolio of evidence collected in the workplace | Self study submitted on the EFHA learning platform | The first and second submissions are included in the course fee. Further submissions will attract a cost. |
| 7 | Practical assessment | Live interactive facilitator led online using Zoom | All components are mandatory. |
| 8 | Certificate of Competence | Issued on completion of all theory, practical and portfolio requirements | Included in course fee |
| Course Titles | Total Hours | Pre-learning (self study) hours | CONTACT DAY: Course content live facilitator led online hours | End of chapter assessments hours | Theory studying hours | Theory assessment hours | CONTACT DAY: Practical Demo and Mentored Practice Day hours | Practical assessment hours | Workplace portfolio of evidence hours |
| Occupational Screening Spirometry | 80 | 4 | 25 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 21 |
| Occupational Screening Audiometry | 60 | 3 | 20 | 4 | 6 | 1,5 | 8 | 1,5 | 16 |
| Occupational Vision Screening | 60 | 3 | 20 | 4 | 6 | 1,5 | 8 | 1,5 | 16 |
| Spirometry Refresher | 16 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Audiometry Refresher | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vision Screening Refresher | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Introduction to Occupational Health | 80 | 4 | 25 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 21 |
| Baseline Health Risk Assessment | 65 | 3 | 20 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 1,5 | 20 |
| History Taking & Physical Examination | 80 | 4 | 25 | 7 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 20 |
| Absenteeism | 35 | 4 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| Respiratory Fit Testing | 30 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1,5 | 3,5 |
| Reproductive Health Refresher Training | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
