Los Angeles City College Radiologic Technology Advisory Meeting Minutes

Transcription

1 Los Angeles City College Radiologic Technology Advisory Meeting Minutes February 4, 2014 I. Call to order Mr. Fonseca called to order the advisory meeting of the Los Angeles City College Radiologic Technology Program at 10:31am on February 4, 2014 in the LACC RT building room # 1. II. Roll call Mr. Fonseca conducted a roll call. The following individuals were present: Los Angeles City College Faculty Israel Fonseca, Acting Program Director Arturo Alfaro, Interim Clinical Coordinator Dr. Thelma Day, Dean Clinical Affiliates & Others: David De La Torre, Clinical Instructor Good Samaritan Hospital Trang Nguyen, Clinical Instructor Saint Vincent Medical Center Robert Padre, Clinical Instructor Kaiser West Los Angeles Dr. Richard Sayer, Radiologic Technologist Julie Washenik, Senior Student/class representative Christine Tinberg, Student Learning Outcomes Coordinator Absent: Jackquelynn Finney, Full Time Didactic Instructor Denise Martinez, New Clinical Instructor at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Eric Banes, Adjunct Instructor Erica Washington, Adjunct Instructor Paul Kim, Junior Student/class representative III. Welcome: Each meeting participant introduced themselves to the group. IV. Program Updates a) Formal Program Changes: The LACC Radiologic Technology Program formally introduced Mr. Fonseca as acting program director on November 6, 2013, with the approval of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). 1

2 b) Arturo Alfaro was named the acting clinical coordinator for the Radiologic Technology Program on September 30, c) Program Effectiveness & Statistics Class of 2013 Graduates: 21 Students graduated in June The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Pass Rate on first attempt: 100% 20/20 passed the ARRT Examination Calendar Number Section Means Total Percentile Year Group Candidates A B C D E Mean Rank % Pass 2013 ALL Program Cohort Fluoroscopy Examination: Pending Official Report from the California Department of Public Health- Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB). Program Completion Rate: (PCR) 21/28 students = 75% Completion Rate met benchmark: See comments and Action Plan Employment Statistics: 84% (16 of 19 students) found employment within 6 months of graduation-met benchmark. Class of 2014: 27-2 nd year students {27/30 = 90% retention rate thus far} Class of 2015: 23-1 st year students {23/26= 88% retention rate thus far} o One student dropped in the middle of the fall semester: Personal Reasons, two were dropped at the end: Academic Reasons. Comments and Action Plan: PCR-Program Completion Rate. Class of 2013: This class was the lowest completion rate the program has had since the 2011 class (76.6). During the last three graduation classes the numbers look like: Applicants Accepted Applicants Graduated Percentage Benchmark Benchmark Met % 75% Yes % 75% Yes % 75% Yes 1. Action Item: The committee would like to be proactive and explore making changes to the selection process of students prior to the completion rate falling out of compliance (75% 2

3 V. New business benchmark). Some proposed changes include: having prospective students complete volunteer / observation hours at hospitals, research an interview selection process, research an assessment test and integrate that into the selection process, meeting with other radiologic technology programs who have high completion rates and adopting/incorporating some of their selection process protocols. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the Program Completion Rate and by having more prepared students this goal can be achieved. 2. The advisory committee agreed to revisit this topic during its next meeting (tentatively scheduled for summer 2014 (July). a) January 17, 2014 JRCERT Report: Assessment Plan: The LACC Radiologic Technology program submitted a progress report to JRCERT detailing/demonstrating compliance to several standards. The report included the following: Updated program publications, proof of clinical instructor evaluations, updated policies regarding student health and safety, the newly renovated assessment plan with assessment committee minutes. The advisory committee reviewed each aspect of the report but special attention was paid to the assessment plan. Mission Statement: The advisory committee reviewed the revised mission statement and agreed with the changes because it made the statement more clear and concise. No changes were recommended. Program Goals: The advisory committee reviewed the revised program goals and were informed how the goals were linked to JRCERT requirements {Standard 5.1: Develops an assessment plan that, at a minimum, measures the program s student learning outcomes in relation to the following goals: clinical competence, critical thinking, professionalism, and communication skills.} Each of the goals are linked to the criteria listed in standard 5.1 and are broad enough that creation of student learning outcomes are possible. No changes were recommended. Goal # 1: Prepare clinically competent entry-level Radiologic Technologists. Outcome: 1.1 Students perform routine radiographic examinations. Outcome: 1.2 Students possess knowledge of radiographic procedures and patient care. Outcome: 1.3 Students employ radiation protection to patients, themselves and others. Outcome: 1.4 Students use ethical practices in health care delivery. 3

4 The advisory committee asked two questions: why is the benchmark set at 80% for 1.1 & 1.2 and shouldn t the students be held to a higher standard? Mr. Fonseca explained that the 80% benchmark was set because the course is the first time students are exposed to positioning. He stated it would be possible to increase the benchmark after reviewing the outcomes of this first assessment cycle. Mr. Fonseca explained that it is important that the benchmarks be attainable and agrees that as time progresses the benchmarks should increase. The committee reviewed the results of the first assessment which took place during the winter 2014 semester (same cohort of students). The class average was 85% which met the benchmark but the advisory committee would like the students to be more assertive when they begin training in the clinical environment. Recommendation: The committee suggested that students have more hands on labs throughout their first and third semesters with more critique sessions associated with the labs. The committee feels students lack confidence in their ability to take x-rays and critiquing x-rays. Action Item: The Radiologic Technology Program shall create more critique sessions during the first and third semesters of positioning classes. The students shall be introduced to x-rays and then shown x-rays that were inadequate and taught how to identify the deficiencies. Acknowledgement: The program does an excellent job preparing students to take the ARRT examination but there is room for improvement in transitioning students for the clinical environment and continuing to support their hands on training in the school environment. Action item already taken: On January 9, 2014 the Radiologic Technology program purchased 23 radiography simulator licenses (from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, ASRT). The web-based simulators teach anatomy, collimation and positioning. They also demonstrate clinical procedures, evaluate knowledge and competency and challenge students with instant feedback. The simulators were purchased to assist the students prior to starting clinical in the spring semester and to continue to assist them throughout their education in the program. Action item already taken: On January 29, 2014 Mr. Fonseca conducted a handson portable simulation lab with all 23 radiography students. The lesson occurred in the basic skills lab of the nursing department. There were 4 hospital beds in the lab and students had the opportunity to practice positioning Computed Radiography Imaging Plates underneath each other. The students were also given tips on how to verify patient identification. Lastly, the session included a critique session of portable chest x-rays. The goal was to introduce students to different scenarios they will experience in the hospital. 4

5 Goal #2: Cultivate Radiologic Technologists who utilize exceptional communication skills with patients and coworkers. Outcome: 2.1 Students communicate, both verbally and nonverbally in a professional manner with the patient. Outcome: 2.2 Students discuss effective communication in the clinical environment. The advisory committee stated that past students have had a difficult time interacting with patients when they first arrive at the clinical site. Recommendation: The committee recommended that students have more role playing activities in the classroom environment because previous students have not been prepared to interact with patients when they begin in the hospital as 260 students. Action item already taken: Mr. Alfaro explained the lab activity that was conducted with the students to test their comfort level interacting with patients (January 9, 2014). An eight year child voluntary role played that she fell off her bike. A requisition was created with the wrong hand purposely written on it. All 23 students simulated taking the x-ray and did everything except for shoot the x-ray (set technique, positioned, etc ). The students were successful in the communication exercise with a class average of 90%. The benchmark was met for this activity. Action Item: The Radiologic Technology Program shall speak with the nursing department and theater arts department to incorporate more role playing activities for the radiology students. These exercises will help students prior to transitioning to the hospital. In addition, the students will participate in role playing during the RT 104 class in the spring 2014 semester. The students were also responsible for writing an essay on professional communication amongst hospital staff and patients. The class average for that activity was 77% which was below the threshold. The main difficulty students had was utilizing proper citation American Psychological Association (APA). Action Item: The committee recommended giving students more written exercises so that they have an opportunity to practice utilizing APA citation. The Radiologic Technology program shall incorporate more written assignments to help facilitate growth for the students. Action item already taken: On January 9, 2014 the Radiologic Technology program purchased the institutional version of research fundamentals (ASRT). This training allows the students to review the following: The Annotated Bibliography, Avoiding Plagiarism, APA Citations, American Medical Association (AMA) Citations, Evaluating Sources, Reading Research, Significance Testing, and Understanding Variables. The sole purpose of 5

6 purchasing this item was to assist students understand how to use proper citation when they write papers. It will also help them as they advance in their careers. Goal #3: Train Radiologic Technologists to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to perform job related functions. Outcome: 3.1 Students alter their approach to complete examinations for patients of different age groups. Outcome: 3.2 Students evaluate radiographic images for adequate positioning, density/brightness, contrast, and recorded detail/spatial resolution. The advisory committee reviewed the goals and outcomes and offered the following suggestions: Have the students meet with radiologists and observe as they dictate x-rays. A radiologist from West Los Angeles may have an interest in serving on the advisory committee and assist with the critique sessions. Mr. Padre will explore that opportunity. Purchase a pediatric phantom to have the students practice positioning and technique on children/infants prior to the clinical training. Mr. Fonseca will speak with the nursing department to seek permission to utilize the infant and child mannequins already owned by the department. In addition, Mr. Fonseca will request a pediatric phantom during the Annual Unit Planning process. Have students practice trauma positioning prior to seeing it in the clinical environment. Mr. Fonseca will seek more methods to have students practice trauma positioning. Action item already taken: On February 10, 2014 a Radiologic Technologist with over 13 years of experience at a trauma center will begin teaching for the program. Ms. Erica Washington is teaching Radiographic Exposure and will have the opportunity to conduct critique sessions with the students. Goal #4: Produce Radiologic Technologists who will grow, develop, and become members of professional organizations that foster career growth. Outcome: 4.1 Students evaluate career opportunities and advancement for the radiographer. Outcome: 4.2 Students analyze the career growth opportunities gained from being involved in a professional medical imaging organization. Outcome: 4.3 Students create a professional portfolio that illustrates growth with their careers. 6

7 The advisory committee reviewed the goals and outcomes and offered the following suggestions: Inquire with the California Society of Radiologic Technologists about the possibility of hosting the November 2014 conference at Los Angeles City College. Action item already taken: On January 9, 2014 the Radiologic Technology program purchased the institutional version of Career Essentials (ASRT). This will help the student s transition from student to Radiologic Technologist (RT). (Helps students prepare for their new career. This three-video set shows students how to conduct an effective job search, create a noticeable résumé, perform well in interviews and stay current in their new profession). b Competency Binder: Mr. Alfaro introduced the new competency manual that includes all the policies and procedures students must adhere to at the clinical site. Additionally, there was an introduction to new competency forms which are more efficient and measurable than the previous competency form. In addition, there is an online competency tracker which helps track the progress of students as they advance in their clinical training. Action Item: The Radiologic Technology Program shall a scanned version of the new binder to each clinical affiliate site. c. Medical Office Building (MOB) Update (Kaisers): Mr. Fonseca provided the status of the Kaiser Contract revision. The request typically takes 4 to 6 weeks (LACCD timeframe) and the contract was submitted in November but the holidays prevented it from being ratified. Action Item: Mr. Fonseca will follow up with Kaiser Headquarters to ensure all the needed paperwork is completed. d. Landauer Reports: Mr. Alfaro asked for copies of badge reports from Kaiser Los Angeles and Good Samaritan Hospital. Copies will be provided as soon as they are available. e. Computed Tomography (CT) Rotation: Mr. Alfaro asked the committee to consider having a CT rotation be built into the clinical training (towards the end) so that students can acquire the CT scans necessary to petition for the ARRT boards post graduation. The new CT course starts in the summer and covers the entire didactic portion of the ARRT examination. f. Mammography Instruction: Mr. Fonseca discussed the possibility of offering a didactic course in Mammography. 7

8 VI. Adjournment Action Item: Mr. Fonseca will follow up with the college administration to discuss the possibility of teaching a course in mammography. g. Mr. Alfaro and Mr. Fonseca asked the committee if they knew of any equipment that the hospital could provide to the school. The committee members responded by asking the school to provide a list of items the school needs. Action Item: Mr. Alfaro and Mr. Fonseca will generate an equipment wish list and provide that information to the committee. h. Dr. Day Announcement: The school is committed to provide the needed support to the radiology program to ensure that it continues to be one of the most successful radiology programs in the nation. We need the committee to assist us as we look to improve our equipment and positioning lab. Mr. Fonseca adjourned the meeting at 3:00pm. Minutes submitted by: Mr. Israel Fonseca Minutes approved by: Advisory Committee 8