Core of Knowledge safety training as recommended by the MHRA (Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)
In recent years, the use of lasers and other high-intensity light sources has expanded dramatically. Today, lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL) and LEDs are widely used in procedures ranging from eyesight correction and tooth whitening to skin treatments such as hair removal. However, in recent weeks, the cosmetic procedures industry has come under close scrutiny as policy makers and clinicians debate the development of industry-wide qualifications to improve patient safety. Some press media have warned that anti-wrinkle treatments are “a crisis waiting to happen” and an independent review, chaired by NHS medical director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, advises that anyone having cosmetic procedures should be better protected than at present.
This means it is vital that all staff engaged in cosmetic/aesthetic treatments receive the best possible training. To meet this need, eIntegrity today announces the launch of eLaser – online Core of Knowledge training in the safe use of lasers and other forms of optical radiation, as recommended by the MHRA (Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)[1]. eLaser has been developed in the UK by The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) in partnership with e-Learning for Healthcare, part of NHS England. eLaser is available through the e-learning system that supports thousands of NHS staff every day.
The ‘Core of Knowledge’ training focuses on how to protect both patients and therapists during laser treatments. eLaser includes eight separate lessons, formal knowledge tests and a certificate of satisfactory completion. eLasercovers all aspects of safe use and includes descriptions of the different light sources, their interaction with human tissue and how to create a safe environment for their use. The 30-40 minute lessons are interactive and contain images, videos and animations to create an engaging learning experience that ensures deeper learning and understanding. The programme structure encourages users to plan and record their learning and to think about their own clinical practice and techniques.
All users completing the course and passing the assessment are awarded a BAPRAS-endorsed certificate, valid for three years. At just £100 for a 12 month licence, eLaser is a highly efficient and cost effective way to ensure all therapists are using lasers safely.
For further information, or to purchase eLaser licences, see www.eintegrity.org/laser-safety or email enquiries@eintegrity.org
[1] “Guidance on the Safe Use of Lasers, IPL Systems and LEDs” (2008).
