RE-ESTABLISHING EAR EXAM AND EAR IRRIGATION PROGRAMME WORKSHOPS

On the 28 July 2021 in the Regional Centre of Nurse and Midwifery Education (RCNME) Tullamore, a Train the Trainers programme was delivered to facilitate the rollout of the Ear Examination and Ear Irrigation Programme Workshop. From September onwards this programme will now be available through six Centres of Nurse and Midwifery Education (CNMEs) across the country. The geographic areas covered include: North West, West, South West, South East, North East, and the Midlands.

Background

This standardised national programme builds on the previously established programme, which commenced in 2010. Originally 12 facilitators had trained to deliver the programme and, for a time, availability to this programme was consistent and geographically accessible. However, over the years, trainers retired and were not replaced, which resulted in a reduced number of programmes on offer. The demand for places resulted in programmes being oversubscribed, which led to disappointment for learners and frustration for trainers not being able to meet demand.

Solutions to address the supply and demand problem were explored with colleagues in the CNMEs and with other relevant stakeholders, which included: The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH), Irish Collage of General Practitioners (ICGP), and the HSE ENT Clinical Programme. Having Prof Michael Walsh, Clinical Advisor for the HSE’s National ENT Programme, come

PROGRAMME WORKSHOP WILL BE OFFERED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING CNME s:

CNME LOCATION

CONTACT NAME

CONTACT DETAILS

Letterkenny, Co Donegal Philippa McGavigan philippa.mcgavigan@hse.ie

Mayo/Roscommon CNME Grainne Glacken grainne.glacken@hse.ie

Tralee, Co Kerry Mary O’Connor Mary.OConnor3@hse.ie

Waterford, Co Waterford Karen O’Sullivan KarenT.OSullivan@hse.ie

Tullamore, Co Offally Carmel McGrath carmelm.mcgrath@hse.ie

Adree, Co Louth Glory George glory.george@hse.ie on board to support a Train the Trainers programme was the solution we were looking for. He immediately saw the need for and value in continuing to support primary care services to carry out ear irrigations for low-risk clients who have troublesome earwax. Patients with normal ears and earwax build up should not be referred to ENT departments. Ear irrigation performed by a suitably trained healthcare professional is still an evidence-based practice that has a place in the care pathway for management of impacted ear wax in primary care.

Working with Prof Walsh we reviewed and updated existing programme materials and agreed content and timetables in preparation for the Train the Trainers programme on the 28 July for 12 programme facilitators.

To ensure sustainability in the future, this programme will now be anchored in the CNMEs. The model for delivery of the programme is co-facilitation and requires one nurse educator (CNME staff) and one nurse from clinical practice (practice nurse) competent in these skills. In the Train the Trainers programme we had six CNME staff and six clinical-based general practice nurses complete the programme. As a consequence the Ear Examination and Ear Irrigation Programme will be offered through the CNME locations on the left.

If you are interested in registering for this programme, please contact your local CNME or contact Kathy McSharry directly if you require further information.

Email: kathy.mcsharry@hse.ie