Detailed job description and main responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES:            

1. Work independently and be responsible for managing own workload, time and priorities.
2. Be accountable for own decisions and actions.
3. Recognise when to seek further advice, and seek advice appropriately.

Screening

1. Deliver digital photographic retinal screening to patients with diabetes aged 12 and over registered with an East Lancashire General Practice.
2. Drive to screening location. 
3. Install mobile equipment at designated screening location in accordance with proper and safe use, identified protocols and the operational policies of both the Lancashire Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme and of the designated screening location.
4. Set up the allocated room(s) as required and in accordance with proper and safe use, identified protocols and the operational policies of both the Lancashire Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme and of the designated screening location.
5. Conduct retinal screening sessions in accordance with proper and safe practice, national standards, identified protocols and with the operational policies of both the Lancashire Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme.
6. Uninstall mobile equipment and leave allocated room(s) in a proper and safe condition as agreed within identified protocols and operational policies.
7. Confirm and record electronically and/or on paper patients’ identity and demographic information
8. Obtain and record electronically and/or on paper appropriate consent to screening and information sharing.
9. Ascertain that the patient is suitable for digital photographic screening in accordance with protocols.  Record this information electronically/on paper.
10. Help patients prepare for screening by providing reassurance, information and physical assistance as required within protocols
11. Perform visual acuity testing within protocols and record the results electronically and/or on paper
12. Instil mydriatic eye-drops within protocols, being aware of contra-indications and possible side-effects, and record relevant information electronically and/or on paper
13. Capture digital retinal images within protocols.  Ensure images are correctly stored and labelled.  Record additional relevant information electronically and/or on paper.
14. Identify and action appropriately in accordance with protocols images requiring other than routine processing.
15. Educate patients within protocols and expertise on

1. the importance of retinal screening and encourage participation in retinal screening
2. local Programme delivery
3. results/follow-up arrangements

including

1. possible side effects of mydriasis and the recommended course of action
2. what should happen next when images suggest cause for concern

1. Respond appropriately within protocols and operational policies to any sudden unexpected event. e.g. hypoglycaemic episodes, collapse, injury.
2. Transfer all electronic and/or paper information to the grading centre

Grading

1. Provide unsupervised first full disease grading of digital retinal images within the required timescale and in accordance with national standards and local protocols
2. Record the results in accordance with national standards and local protocols electronically and/or on paper
3. Identify and action appropriately in accordance with national standards and local protocols images requiring other than routine processing. Keep a personal record of any images they wish to discuss with the Clinical Lead for the programme

COMMUNICATION:   

1. Function as an effective member of the multi-disciplinary  Lancashire Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme, developing and maintaining good working relationships and effective communication with all Acute and Primary Care Trust clinical and non clinical colleagues.  Contribute to the effective and timely flow of work and information.
2. Communicate effectively in such a way as to promote a positive image of the Lancashire Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme with all non NHS organisations and individuals.
3. Communicate effectively with all partners in care, including, patients, relatives, partners, carers and other chosen companions. 
4. Encourage informed, regular participation in diabetic retinal screening by patients, relatives and carers in accordance with their preferences and the needs of the service.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:

1. Attend all mandatory training to achieve and/or maintain knowledge, skills or competencies. 
2. Undertake training in the instillation of mydriatic eye drops and regular updates
3. Undertake training in measuring visual acuities and regular updates
4. Undertake training in the use of diabetic digital retinal screening equipment and regular updates
5. Undertake training in the use of computer systems to support the capture and grading of digital retinal images, and the administration of the Programme. 
6. Maintain safe and up to date practice in regards to retinal screening and first full disease grading of images 
7. Complete formal training to become a nationally accredited grader of digital retinal images (full disease grading) within National timescale
8. Develop and maintain specialist knowledge of diabetic retinopathy, participate in further professional education and deliver education within remit of expertise.
9. Maintain a record of personal development using a professional profile and personal development plan.  Participate in personal development review and ensure that set objectives are achieved.

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Be aware for each screening session of the location, time, operational policy, equipment availability and patient list, and be available to conduct the session accordingly.
2. Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary team meetings as required.
3. Participate in internal and external audit and performance monitoring and quality assurance programmes.
4. Complete promptly and accurately all paper and electronic records as required by protocols, policies, procedures and guidelines.  Ensure appropriate, secure and confidential capture, use, storage and back-up of information within identified protocols
5. Undertake ordering of equipment and supplies in accordance with agreed protocols, being aware of budgetary constraints in terms of materials and equipment.
6. Participate in the development of expertise within the Lancashire Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To provide support and mentoring of other grades of staff including diabetic retinal assistants and demonstrate supervision of staff in aspects of their role
2. Obtain and retain national accreditation as a diabetic retinal screener, diabetic retinal disease/no disease grader and diabetic retinal full disease grader.
3. Work as a trustworthy and co-operative member of the Lancashire Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme, and make a positive contribution to the team.
4. Conduct self in such a way as to promote a positive image of the  Lancashire Diabetic Retinal Screening Programme at all times.
5. Document all care to a standard that would be suitable for medico-legal scrutiny in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
6. Comply with Confidentiality: NHS Code of Practice, the Data Protection Act (1998) and the Freedom of Information Act (2000).
7. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of and work within agreed policies, protocols, procedures, and guidelines identified as applying to the sphere of practice.  Recognise and report where they are inadequate or unclear.
8. Report promptly and appropriately within protocols any faults, problems or concerns.
9. At all times promote the safety, privacy and dignity of patients, recognise individual needs and preserve confidentiality.
10. Ensure appropriate and safe use of all screening locations and the grading centre.
11. Follow infection control procedures.
12. Ensure appropriate and safe use and custody of drugs and/or chemicals used in diabetic retinal screening within protocols.
13. Ensure appropriate and safe use and custody of equipment used in diabetic retinal screening within protocols.
14. Dispose safely of all clinical and other waste in line with protocol