Certificate of Competence in Occupational Screening Audiometry
Overview
This is an international standard Certificate of Competence short course designed specifically for Africans in Africa who are responsible for performing screening spirometry in an occupational setting.
Duration
The course will take an estimated 50 hours to complete as follows:
4 hours of pre-course reading
16 hours of theory presentations including theoretical exercises
1.5 hours of theory assessment
1.5 hours of practical assessment
16 hours portfolio of evidence collected in the workplaceWhy the course was developed
International Occupational Health guidelines call for the routine use of screening audiometry in the workplace. To introduce or improve audiometry in African workplaces the course has been developed with the primary purpose of increasing knowledge, practice, awareness and access to high-quality spirometry on the continent.
Vision
To make available an occupational screening audiometry certificate of competence short course training programme, designed for Africans in Africa. This programme will contribute to the personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of African societies through improved access to quality spirometric screening assessments on the African continent.
Mission
The training content is available in 4 learning formats:
Face to face training
Blended learning
Online learning
eLearningPrior learning assumed
Communication skills at NQF Level 6
Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 6
Computer literacy at NQF Level 5Course outcomes
This module offers a flexible method of learning to meet the standards for safe and quality assured audiometry testing in the field of occupational health. Successful students will develop the following competencies:
Knowledge and awareness of spirometry
Describe and explain spirometric testing
Prepare for a spirometric test
Develop practical skills to perform high quality spirometry
Coach the subject to produce acceptable test results
Understand and describe the core measurements of spirometry
Evaluate, record and report spirometric results
Implement quality assurance processes to ensure the accuracy of spirometric tests.
Increase confidence in performing, understanding & implementing spirometry
Ability to independently prepare for, conduct and evaluate a spirometric test.tAccreditation
5 credits at NQF level 7
30 clinical level 1 CEUs accredited with the South African Medical Association (SAMA) * CPD points must be requested prior to training.
Education for Health Africa certificationStudy method
Pre-reading
On registration for training the learner will receive recommended pre-reading articles for orientation to the subject and self-study prior starting the full course content.
Face-to-Face
These courses are held at venues across Africa, where the students will physically attend and be trained by a facilitator face to face.
3 days classroom training: 2 days theory and practical demonstration and hands-on practice plus 1 assessment dayLive Facilitation Online
Learning will take place digitally using an online classroom platform and live facilitation.
Attendees will:
- Receive the training manual via an online link sent via email. The manual is downloadable but printable or emailable – it can be accessed online with a password on your computer. Should you wish to use a hard copy training manual this can be ordered separately in advance of the commencement of the course
- Be sent a scheduled meeting link for digital live training
- Attend PowerPoint presentations live with the facilitator as per the course outline below
- The practical components of training will be demonstrated digitally live
- Undertake a multiple-choice theoretical assessment online on day 3
- Undertake a digital practical assessment by video on day 3
- Complete a portfolio of evidence (conduct 10 acceptable and repeatable spirometry tests and 5 valid calibration checks and fully report on these) in the workplace which are emailed for digital assessment
- Once all assessments have been completed a training evaluation form should be completed online where after your certificate of competence will be emailed
eLearning
The educational content for this course can be accessed online via an eLearning platform. As soon as registration and payment processes are complete the students can log in at any time and work through the course material at their own pace. They have 6 weeks to complete the course.
Attendees will:
- Access the training content online with a unique pin
- Undertake a multiple-choice theoretical assessment within 6 weeks of starting the training
- Undertake a digital practical assessment by appointment with the assessor before 6 weeks is up
- Complete a portfolio of evidence (conduct 10 acceptable and repeatable spirometry tests and 5 valid calibration checks and fully report on these) in the workplace which are uploaded to the learning management system on the website for digital assessment
- Once all assessments have been completed a training evaluation form should be completed online where after your certificate of competence is available for download.
Hard and software required for the digital live facilitator-led and eLearning training
To access the digital live facilitator-led or eLearning training you will need:
A fairly new and reliable computer
Google Chrome web browser
Microsoft office
Email address
Reliable constant high-speed internet access
Wi-Fi data to complete the training
Headphones / headsets / earpieces are not essential but may help
Time and a quiet place where you can focus on the learning during scheduled zoom sessions
A spirometer, calibration syringe, connectors and disposables with printing facilities to print reports for classroom exercises
Ideally, you would have another person to practice on during some practical sessionsAssessment Methods
Face-to-Face
- Day 1 and 2: Attend all face-to-face classroom sessions
- Day 3: Paper theory assessment – 80 multiple choice questions
- Day 3: Face to face practical assessment
- Within 30 days of day 3 of training submit a portfolio of evidence of test results conducted in real life in the workplace consisting of 10 acceptable and repeatable spirometry tests and 5 valid calibration checks and fully report on these.
Live Facilitation Online
- Day 1 and 2: Attend all digital classroom sessions
- Day 3: Digital theory assessment – 80 multiple choice questions conducted online
- Day 3: Digital practical assessment
- Within 30 days of day 3 of training submit a portfolio of evidence of test results conducted in real life in the workplace consisting of 10 acceptable and repeatable spirometry tests and 5 valid calibration checks and fully report on these.
eLearning
- Self-paced work through all theory content online (6 weeks to complete)
- Digital theory assessment – 80 multiple choice questions conducted online
- Digital practical assessment – on appointment with facilitator
- Within 6 weeks of registration for training submit a portfolio of evidence of test results conducted in real life in the workplace consisting of 10 acceptable and repeatable spirometry tests and 5 valid calibration checks
Certification
Once all aspects above have been successfully completed an Education for Health Africa certificate of competence in occupational screening audiometry is awarded.
Refresher Training
Refresher training is recommended after 3 years.
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods are blended for the best possible learning outcomes. Depending on the learning format taken, these include:
PowerPoint presentations
Group or individual work
Case studies
Practical demonstration
Mentored exercises
Fun quizzesAttendees will have portfolios of their work evaluated by the training team.
Assessment processes for competency
Formative assessment takes place through a series of structured, evidence gathering processes throughout the period of learning including:
Quality assurance system
The programme structure is agreed upon and reviewed by the Education for Health Africa education committee.
Plans for further development
Translation of educational content and learning materials into other languages.
Training opportunities are offered for individuals who would like access to further training to become future trainers and audiometry champions in host countries.