Measuring the Performance of a Training Nurse Angiographer

Abstract

In considering whether the new role of nurse angiographer could be developed nationally, radiation exposure was focused on as a performance indicator to demonstrate if patients were positively or negatively impacted when compared to national benchmarks. Measuring this clinical performance indicator in the first 104 training cases would provide evidence to either adapt training to ensure improved clinical performance, or allow the role to be adopted in other hospitals. A quasi-experimental, retrospective, comparative audit was statistically analysed to compare a training nurse angiographer’s dose area product and screening time against the national X-ray diagnostic reference levels, to identify whether they could consistently perform coronary angiography safely within these parameters. This audit provided reasonably robust evidence that appropriately experienced nurses can be trained in coronary angiography safely within the national diagnostic reference levels. This provides assurance that this new role does not negatively impact patients’ procedural outcomes and that existing measures in place provide satisfactory governance. This also indicates that robust background knowledge and pre-learnt motor skills are beneficial to any operator. Although this study contributes to research within this area, further research is needed to demonstrate the scope and benefits of this nursing role to a wider healthcare population.