The safe use, storage and set up of medical gas cylinders used in healthcare
Paul Lee, Consultant Clinical Scientist, Head of MEMS, Swansea Bay University Health Board
Introduction
National patient safety alerts and training gaps prompted the aim to create a free eLearning course on the safe use of medical gases for NHS staff, addressing significant financial burdens.
Spearheaded by Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB) and a nationwide collaboration of healthcare professionals, the aim was to develop and implement a free-to-access e-learning course on the 'safe use of medical gases and cylinders' for NHS staff within 12 months.
Methods
Team members and stakeholders contributed their expertise to develop bespoke medical gas training. Through team building and open discussions, a concise, interactive e-learning course was created. Staff groups using medical gases tested draft versions and helped refine content.
Over 300 hours were spent on design, with ongoing reviews by the team, NHS e-learning department., MHRA, BOC Ltd., and All-Wales Pharmacy Medical Gas group.
After reviewing all submitted materials, distinct chapters were agreed upon and assigned to experts for development. These chapters were then discussed and scrutinized in meetings and via networks, with change logs keeping records. Modules were tested by various professionals, and feedback was used to refine content, keeping each module under 8 minutes.
The National Patient Safety team and MHRA contributed to an iterative testing process. Seven sections emerged, with drafts shared at national events for feedback. The final course, launched in August 2023 on e-learning for healthcare and NHS Wales ESR, continues to evolve based on user feedback and evaluation
Outcomes
- The course was successfully uploaded to ESR in Feb 2024
- Feedback was noted, allowing for course adjustments to meet changing needs.
- Commitment to patient safety and exceptional teamwork led to positive feedback, national recognition, and an AHA award in April 2024.
Learnings
- Aligning national learning objectives and skills-for-health strategies helped focus on essential content despite initial challenges.
- Learning NHS Wales e-learning software from scratch was difficult.
- BOC Ltd. initially resisted but eventually contributed as momentum grew, providing new images and materials.
- Creating accurate subtitles for YouTube videos was challenging, requiring additional software skills.
- Trusts requesting their own versions pose risks of traceability loss and version discrepancies; synergy across e-learning platforms would have been beneficial.
What next?
- The e-learning can be mandated across NHS organisations and universities and offered as a free bespoke package for those to manage locally.
- Planned 2024 modules include 'suction units' and 'changing manifold cylinders' for porters, enhancing staff training.
- Additional clinical training for oxygen prescribing and safe administration is underway, expected to finished late 2024.
