Siobhan is a radiological technologist working in a clinic. Within the next few months, the clinic will be starting to perform cystograms, a procedure that requires the insertion and removal of catheters.

Is this activity within Siobhan’s scope of practice?

The College has approval for members to perform some/all of the restricted activities, as identified in the Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists Profession Regulation (the Regulation).

The Regulation states that radiological technologists are authorized to perform the following restricted activity:

14(1)(d) insert or remove instruments, devices or fingers

(i) beyond the opening of the urethra for the purpose of administrating diagnostic examinations in medical radiology

There is, however, a caveat: in spite of authorization, regulated members must restrict themselves to performing only those restricted activities that they are competent to perform and are appropriate to their areas of practice and the procedures being performed.

What training does Siobhan have to do in order to perform this activity?

A College-approved program is not required as no authorization is needed for insertion/removal of a urinary catheter as this activity is authorized in the Regulation. It is, however, expected that Siobhan will have received appropriate training to perform this activity safely, ethically and competently. The College would encourage the employer to provide adequate training on the procedure and expectations of the technologist in these situations.

In determining whether she has the necessary education and knowledge, Siobhan should ask herself:

• Do I have the knowledge to perform this competently? (i.e., consider anatomy, physiology, infection control)
• Do I have the technical skills to perform this competently? (i.e., mechanics of inserting and removing the catheter and associated risks)
• Do I have the clinical reasoning abilities to perform and maintain this activity competently? (i.e., how frequently would this be practiced, how many cases required to learn this well and competently)

Standards of Practice

Standard 1.1 Patient-Centred Care

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

a. Take steps to put the patient at ease and establish rapport (e.g, introduce oneself, state profession and role).

b. Assess the patient’s level of understanding of the procedure and adapt communication and assessment accordingly.

c. Clearly explain the procedure and possible implications to the patient.

f. Perform procedure in a manner that maintains the patient’s dignity.

Standard 1.2 Clinical Procedures

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

e. Possess the necessary competence to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

Standard 2.2 Professional Competence

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

b. Practice within the limits of the member’s competence.

c. Maintain knowledge of current and evolving technologies and integrate new learning into practice, as appropriate.

Standard 2.4 Professional Boundaries

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

a. Adhere to the Code of Ethics of the College.

c. Maintain knowledge of current and evolving technologies and integrate new learning into practice, as appropriate.

Standard 4.2 Safe Practice

To demonstrate this Standard, a regulated member will:

e. Apply the appropriate infection prevention and control practices in accordance with applicable standards or guidelines and organizational requirements (e.g., employ routine practices and additional (isolation) precautions when required, use aseptic technique and implement protocols for single-use medical devices and for the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices).

Code of Ethics

Principle 2 – Responsibility to the profession

c. Boundaries of competence – A regulated member limits their practice to those techniques and procedures that the member is competent and currently authorized to perform by virtue of education and experience and are consistent with the College’s standards.

Principle 3 – Responsibility to oneself

b. Accountability – A regulated member takes responsibility and is accountable for their professional activities.

There are many documents that help guide a regulated member’s practice. View these documents on our Resources page or use the Decision-Making Tool to work through a specific scenario.