Respiratory Lab Technologist

JOB SUMMARY

•    Perform diagnostic and therapeutic testing for sleep disorders according to established laboratory procedures.
•    Plan and manage appointment scheduling of test procedures.
•    Supervise, coordinate, and participate in a variety of activities in the laboratory, including coordinate continuing education programs and activities.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Patient Care

1.Perform diagnostic sleep studies including comprehensive overnight polysomnographic testing.

•    Assess patient's history, medication, and procedure request prior to procedure.
•    Explain procedure and orientate patient to the lab setting.
•    Call patient as appointment reminder and to assess if their current condition is fit for procedure.
•    Remind patient through phone messages a few days prior to admission.
•    Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to ensure proper functioning.
•    Perform appropriate physiological calibration and troubleshooting.
•    Respond promptly and appropriately  to patient needs / changes in well-being during the sleep study.
•    Implement appropriate intervention including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure.

•       Document routine observations, including sleep  stages and clinical events, change in procedure and other significant events in order to facilitate staff in charge performing sleep scoring and interpretation of sleep result.

2. Perform therapeutic testing (Positive Airway pressue) and mask fitting.

• Able to comply the clinical guidelines for manual titration of positive airway pressure in patients with sleep related breathing disorders.

3. Perform portable diagnostic sleep studies in the ward.

•    Assess patient's history, medication, and procedure request prior to procedure.
•    Explain procedure and orientate patient and staff in the ward.
•    Call the referring Doctor and verify the appropriate procedure.
•    Prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning.
•    Perform appropriate physiological calibration and troubleshooting.
•    Respond promptly when the ward staff call and requires attention.
•    Visit the ward twice and check the patient status and the sleep machine.
•    Document routine observations, including sleep stages and other
clinical events.
•    Assist in therapeutic testing (Positive Airway Pressure) and mask fitting when patient requires to use NIV machine.

4. Perform Home Sleep Apnea Test

•    Prepare equipment and document for patient's signing.
•    Orientate patient how to set up home sleep test device at home.
•    Download acquired raw data after patient use.

5. Complete post-study procedure paperwork and general administrative duties.

6. Perform manual sleep scoring according to guidelines.

7. Perform Multiple Sleep Latency Test.

8. Exercise professional judgement to ensure safety, escalate concerns to supervisor where appropriate.

9. Evaluate test reliability,patient's performance and clinical implications.

10. Participate in activities of the laboratory, which include managing patient's appointment scheduling and waiting time.

11. Oversee the department performance indicator.

12. Assist in the Sleep Technologist Clinic.

•    Performs proper mask fitting suitable to patient's comfort.
•    Set up the desired pressure required from the Doctor.
•    Download and analyse the raw data.
•    Assess patient's compliance using the machine during follow up.

B. SERVICE QUALITY

1. Maintain timely and accurate records of patient's information (procedure performed and results).
2. Comply with established guidelines of infection control practice.
3. Maintain medical equipment.
4. Assist in the development of policies and procedures.
5. Improve/enhance laboratory and operational processes.
6. Implement procedures to ensure maintenance and operaton of diagnostic equipment within manufacturers specifications and accreditation requirements, document quality and control procedures.
7. Participate in interdepartmental efforts to facilitate a safe environment for staff and patients.
8. Maintain TTSH service with excellence standards.
9. Assit in certification programs and continuing education information for the laboratory.

C. ADMINISTRATION

1. Prepare reports of procedures performed, maintain records and files reflecting patient information, expenditures, revenue and other operational data.
2. Manage staff schedule to ensure adequate coverage for services. Plan and schedule work for the group ensuring proper distribution of assignment and adequate manning, space planning and facilities for subsequent performance of duties.
3. Supervise, train and coach junior and new staff.
4. Perform the competency in the relevant skills and defined by the depatment.

D. GENERAL

1. Monitor and requisite consumables and inventories.
2. Assist supervisor in collating and compilation of statistics.
3. Ensure preventive maintenance of all equipement at department completed on time.
4. Actively participate as a member for quality improvement projects at hospital wide/departmental level.
5. Understand and follow hospital and departmental protocol for emergencies and disasters.
6. Develop and review job instructions and job improvements for department work process as well as training and equipping staff to carry out their work correctly, safetly and conscientiously.
7. Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor/ Head of Department.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Diploma or Degree holder preferably in Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Life Sciences, Health Sciences or equivalent.
2. At least 5 years of relevant experience for Diploma holder.
3. Able to peform night shift duty.

PROFESSIONAL LICENCE

1. Registered Polysomnographic Technologist for Degree holder preferred.