Course guideline:
The ANSA Inc. Competency Statements were written and established in 2014. This guideline for competency skills assessment is to establish the standard criteria to evaluate competencies for technologists/scientists performing an electroencephalogram (EEG) in accordance with the ANSA Inc Competency Statements.
The competent EEG technologists/scientists must be tested for quality of patient care and interaction, basic knowledge of EEG instrumentation, technical requirements during EEG performance and clinical knowledge of presenting conditions for appropriate adaptation of recording techniques and interpretive skills.
There are two major components in each assessment tool (both practical and written examination), these include criteria and indicators.
- Criteria: Identification of the essential skills items
- Indicators: For consistent assessment and evaluation of performance
Assessment Tools for Performing EEG (Basic)
The assessment tools for basic level of EEG technologists/scientists in accordance to the ANSA Inc. Competency Statements EEG and in alignment with the ANSA Inc Recording Guidelines are:
- Log book and portfolio:
At least 100 EEGs performed by the candidate, 16 EEG samples and 3 factual reports. See Appendix I and II for complete Logbook and Portfolio instructions.
On submission of the Logbook and Portfolio the candidate will be granted ‘complete’ or ‘incomplete’ status for this assessment tool. The candidate must attain ‘complete’ status to be granted a pass for this section.
2. Written Examination: 50 multiple choice questions (MCQs)
The candidate must attain 80% to be granted a pass for this section.
3. Practical Examination: To be assessed by 2 assessors where at all possible.
The candidate must attain 100% in electrode application and 80% for the remainder of the practical examination to be granted a pass for this section.
The candidate must pass each of the above sections (1, 2 and 3) to be deemed competent in Performing EEG (Basic). A certificate of attainment will be issued to the candidate on successful completion of all three (3) Assessment Tools.
Guidelines for Performing EEG (Basic) Assessment
The Assessment Tools for Performing EEG (Basic) are prepared in alignment with the following ANSA Inc Competency Statements and Test Guidelines
- Competency Statements EEG
- EEG Guideline
- Non Routine EEG Guideline
- Other Physiological Measurement Guideline
- Infection Control Guideline
NB: Neonatal EEG Guideline has not been included in this Competency Assessment Tool ‘Performing EEG (Basic)’.
Assessment Tool Format
Assessment Tool 1 – Log book and Folio
The candidate must submit the Logbook containing a record of at least 100 EEGs they have recorded as outlined in Appendix I. The candidate must also submit a portfolio containing at least 16 EEG samples and 3 written factual reports as outlined in Appendix II.
Assessment Tool 2 – Written Examination
The candidate must complete the MCQ written examination under examination conditions. Access to the written examination will be offered on application.
Assessment Tool 3 -Practical Examination
Two formats for Competency Skills Assessment: Performing EEG (Basic) – Practical Examination (Assessment Tool 3) are outlined.
- Traditional Competency Skills Assessment – Performing EEG (Basic)
- Modified Competency Skills Assessment – Performing EEG (Basic)
Traditional Competency Skills Assessment: Performing EEG (Basic) -Practical Examination
The traditional format for the Practical Examination includes setting up for and recording an EEG on a subject connected to a live EEG acquisition apparatus. This format covers all key essential skill items in section 3 (Assessment Tool 3) in the live practical examination as outlined below.
Modified Competency Skills Assessment – Performing EEG (Basic)
The modified version of the Practical Competence Examination includes setting up for an EEG without connecting to a live EEG acquisition apparatus (non-live) and allows for insurance implications related to non-employee candidates and examiners in the place of the examination. An independent battery-operated impedance measuring meter will be made available to assess the integrity of the applied electrode impedance. A pre-recorded EEG will be utilised to complete the practical examination.
This format will cover key essential skill items 3.1 to 3.2.2 in the non-live practical examination as outlined below in section 3 (Assessment Tool 3). Assessment points 3.2.3 to 3.2.14 will be covered in the pre-recorded EEG presented to the candidate.
Both versions of Assessment Tool 3 are in alignment with the ANSA Inc. Competency Statements and Guidelines and are equally weighted in all areas of assessment.
It is recommended that the candidate submit the Log book and Portfolio prior to attempting the practical examination in order to be best prepared. However, this is not a requirement.
Assessment Timeline
The candidate must complete the Competency Skills Assessment within 12 months of application. This includes all three Competency Assessment Tools. Once payment for the Competency Skills Assessment Tools has been accepted the period of 12 month begins.
Fee for Assessment
A fee for this Competency Assessment will be charged to the candidate to begin the assessment process. The fee will be a one off payment and will include all three assessment tools, appropriate resources required to complete the Assessment such as the Guideline, the log book and other instructional documentation. The fee will also include a written report for each assessment tool and a final Assessment Completion Report. The fee does not cover travel expenses for the candidate or for the examiner, however time spent by the examiners to assess and to prepare reports is covered in the fee.
In the event that the candidate does not complete and /or gain competence in all three Assessment Tools within the 12 month period, and additional fee may be charged to complete the assessment.
As at October 2019 the Fee for the ANSA Inc Competency Assessment: Performing EEG (Basic) is $500.00 for ANSA members and $700 for non ANSA members. This fee is subject to change at the discretion of the ANSA Education Committee and the Executive Council.
