IQIPS Position Statement
The BHRS has published a short postion statement supporting Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) accrediatation. To view the stat
ement click
here
.
Fellow of the BHRS (FBHRS)
The BHRS has created a fellow of the BHRS (FBHRS) membership to recognise the accomplishments and impact of individuals in the field of cardiac rhythm management. Fellowship confirms an individual’s position as a leading professional and confers recognition amongst peers. Last year in October nine honorary fellows were selected by a subcommittee of council members and presented with their award at the Heart Rhythm Congress. Honorary fellow status was awarded to;
- Professor John Camm
- Dr Richard Charles
- Dr Wyn Davis
- Dr Stephen Furniss
- Sue Jones
- Dr Janet McComb
- Professor John Morgan
- Dr Edward Rowland
- Professor Richard Sutton
As of this year BHRS members will have the opportunity to nominate and apply for fellow of the BHRS (FBHRS) membership. Eligibility criteria, full guidelines and the application form will be posted on the BHRS website soon.
IMPORTANT - Medical Device Alert FEB2019
Many of you will be aware of a field safety notice released by Medtronic in mid January this year. The issue has led to a medical device alert being issued by the MHRA. To see the MDA and FSN follow the links below.
GUIDELINE REVISION
Management of Patients with CIEDs around the time of surgery
The MHRA have identified the potential risk of interference between magnetic drapes / pads and CIEDs when put in close proximity during surgical intervention. An initial investigation found that precautionary warning messages were not included on any of the magnetic drape/pad packaging or instructions used in centres. The MHRA have worked with key magnetic drape manufacturers so that these products now include warnings, in the form of text or symbols in their instructions or labelling.
On discussion with the MHRA, the BHRS felt it was appropriate to make a small revision to the management of patients with CIEDs around the time of surgery guidelines. A short paragraph and a reference has been added to page 7 highlighting this issue to healthcare professionals to minimise the risks for patients with CIEDs.
The BHRS 2019 Survey
BHRS is keen to support the improvement of cardiac rhythm management (CRM) services throughout the UK to provide for expert and timely treatment of patients with arrhythmias.
Little information is known about current CRM provision and practice in centres across the UK where cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are inserted and/or electrophysiology (EP) studies & ablation are performed.
The scope of the survey is to gather data for analysis which will allow for:
·
Improved access to heart rhythm specialists, physiologists and arrhythmia nurse specialists
·
Better provision for patients needing complex device implantation or ablation
·
Timely treatment for patients requiring emergency, or urgent, device implantation or ablation
Data collection will be by questionnaire distributed by email to the Lead Cardiologist for CRM Devices & Arrhythmia at all NHS Trust and private hospital in England & Wales.
Results will be shared with the BHRS membership when available
Arrhythmia Nurse Update
With the decision last year to increase the number of physiologist and nurses on the BHRS council we are delighted to announce that Sarah Clarke, Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist from Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital has been co-opted to the BHRS council as the 3rd nurse representative. A formal election will be held for nurse representation later this year where we hope Sarah and others will stand for election.
The arrhythmia nurse forum is proving to be a valuable peer support link with over 80 names on the list. The arrhythmia nurse section of the website is also developing with several guidelines, protocols and presentations available to members. If
you would like to join the forum or have materials to share on the website please email Angela Hall
An.Hall@health.gov.je
Arrhythmia Nurse Exam
We have received enquiries about sitting the BHRS exam and would like to encourage more nurses to consider sitting the certification. BHRS certification is recognised at Masters’ Level.
Candidates who successfully complete the BHRS Certificate will be able to gain exemption from the module ‘Arrhythmia Management’ (AHH4002-N) at Teesside University (30 credits at Masters Level) and thus transfer these credits into the following programmes:
· MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
· MSc Nursing
· PG Dip Surgical Care Practitioner
Arrhythmia Nurse Survey results
A survey was sent out to the arrhythmia nurse forum to gain information on arrhythmia nurses across the UK. A third of people responded (30/90). It was found that there are a total of 8 different job titles for nurse specialists in an arrhythmia role with the most common at 78% ‘Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist’
· 72% of respondents are grade 7
· The highest qualification held is a Masters with 47% having this
· 69% of respondents are non-medical prescribers
· 50% are BHRS members but only 10% have taken the BHRS exam
BHRS Website, Communications and Social Media
The BHRS Website continues to be updated with new content monthly. The latest updates include new shared operational policies in the members only section. If you have forgot your login or membership number plea
se email
admin@bhrs.com
.
The society is becoming more active in using social media channels to disseminate information to members and the wider community in addition to promoting opportunities to members.
We would encourage members to keep up to date by joining us on Twitter and Facebook and would appreciate your support through retweeting and sharing links to grow our social media presence.
