Optional Skills Frameworks

The Faculty has worked closely with appropriate partner organisations to develop Optional Skills Framework Modules (OSFs) for ACCPs to undertake applicable to local patient need and ACCP development.

These documents outline FICM approved modules which may be put in place locally if there is benefit to patient care/service need.

Local need

These modules are optional and will not be applicable or appropriate for all Qualified ACCPs. The requirement to undertake these optional modules will be driven by local service need within your trust/ health board.

The responsibility for ensuring local procedures for risk, governance, evaluation and reporting in relation to use of OSFs remain with the trusts/ health boards.

Local implementation

It is recommended that the following points are considered before any OSFs are implemented locally for ACCPs:

• They should be discussed by the ICU clinical team and agreed as appropriate for the patient/service need and the ACCP cohort.
• Use of an OSF for ACCPs is reviewed by the ICU governance group ensuring compliance with regulators, delivers safe, quality and effective care and that legislation and all standards are met.
• Risks to the patient, service and the ACCP are assessed and reviewed as part of the ICU governance process.
• Any adverse event or concerns should be reported and investigated using the trust/health board incident reporting system.
• ACCPs must keep a log of activity in relation to the OSF and discuss at yearly appraisals.
• ACCPs are recommended to advise their professional indemnity insurers of context and use of OSFs.

Supervision

The trained ACCP undertaking an OSF must have the support of a nominated consultant supervisor. The supervisor is responsible for:

• Assisting with creating knowledge, skills and competency opportunities relating to the OSF
• Assessment and support throughout the completion of the OSF 
• Supporting maintenance of the skill reported and audited via PDR.