IICMS and OSET- Application of IICMS for Membership

The IICMS was inaugurated in September 2004. Since then our primary aim has always been Support and to promote the continued development of Clinical Measurement Science in Ireland and to raise our profile within the Irish Health Service.

The aim was to unite and represent all those working in physiological measurement sciences in Ireland into a single group, with a strong voice. Education was always a key issue. The Institute is there to promote and support ongoing education, both at undergraduate and post graduate level and in doing so developing standardisation of training and practice.

In order to do this and implement it professional standards need to be agreed. Professional standards ensure the protection of the client and the professional. Recognised professional standard and competencies allow recognition outside of our own county.

A voluntary register in advance of state registration would be required with a view to provide accreditation for physiological measurement laboratories as clinical teaching laboratories. The aim of achieving state registration is to standardize and regulate ourselves using the accreditation route of the labs and individuals working within the profession. This leads to the achievement of best practice and improved quality of service to our patients. In turn this reflects positively on the status of our profession.

A council to register all this activity would be necessary to not only oversee the initial process but to implement the goals and monitor for future service needs and planned developments in the health sector.

All of these aims would benefit from affiliation and membership to an internationally recognised organisation. Membership would instantly go to further raising the profile and standing of the profession within and outside of Ireland.

In order to achieve this, the IICMS applied for membership to International Organisation of Societies for Electrophysiological Technology, OSET. Application was made in December 2006 and the congress voted on our application on the 13th June 2007. While the organisation mainly contains members working the field of Neurodiagnostic or Neurophysiology, it will accept membership from organisations representing a broader field of professionals like ourselves. Informal contact has been made with the current President, Ms Margaret Woolcock who feels we are a “classic example of the way many societies today are redirecting their format. Since many of us do various jobs that tend to overlap, it is good to have other disciplines within the society to help with education and training.”

Mr Willie Riordan, Chief Neuro Technologist in the Mater Hospital has attended the AGM as a representative of the IICMS.

So who are OSET?

The International Organisation of Societies for Electrophysiological Technology was inaugurated in 1977 in Switzerland. It was initially established to represent those working in Neurophysiology in Europe but has expanded to include international members and those working all fields of electrophysiology. The aim of the organization was to strive, in all countries, to promote education and the attainment of the highest level of knowledge and understanding in the field of Electrophysiological Technology. Their primary concern was always education Their mission is to encourage scientific research, improve the quality of teaching programs and supply information and support to those professionals interested in the field of electrophysiology technology and its development.

They propose standard, regulation and advice concerning the criteria for the best instruction, qualification and certification through its committee’s for those studying and teaching in the field. Providing information to and operate with committees, society’s and institutions interested in the development of Electrophysiology Technology.

Member countries already include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

What are the advantages of us doing this?

OSET are currently running a survey examining the International Survey Educational Competencies, Education, and Workplace Issues of Technologist in Electrophysiology / Neurophysiology. This survey looks at the requirements necessary to gain employment in electrophysiology or in our case Clinical Measurement. By submitting this survey stating the different qualifications in Clinical Measurement including the MPPM, BSc Clinical Measurement and Competency examinations (including ECNE, ASCT, ARTP etc) member states will become more familiar with the current minimum for obtaining employment in Ireland within the Clinical Measurement field.

More importantly, OSET is an internationally recognised organisation and being a member or having an affiliation with them will raise our profile within their member countries and internationally.

The IICMS was unanimously accepted as a member at the council meeting on the 13th June 2007.

If you would like to log onto OSET the website is www.oset.org

If you have views or queries on the above please email - Click here to reveal email address (protected).

Sat 23 June 2007

IICMS and OSET - Application of IICMS for Membership.