Training
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard said:
"What we know from past economic downturns is when the economy turns down, people stop training. When the economy then grows, everybody is crying out for skilled labour. We want to do everything possible through these kinds of practical measures to change that cycle, to continue to invest in the Australian people, even in these difficult days following the global financial crisis - to make sure that they have got the skills they need to get new opportunities in our economy."
(From transcript 24 February 2009)
MTAA offers a wide range of training opportunities to support the professional development of the medical technology industry. View this interactive promotion to learn more or contact the Professional Development Manager by E: reception@mtaa.org.au or P: (+612) 9900 0650.
The MTAA Training Calendar 2009 is now available. The modules offered across six courses can be further complemented by a range of external post-graduate or private courses.
Learning Pathways assist medical technology industry professionals identify current and future professional development directions. The pathways may be found in the Training Calendar. As additional MTAA courses and modules are developed, these will be added to the calendar and pathways.
Courses available in 2009
1.0 Medical Technology Regulation & Clinical Activities
The regulation of medical technology in Australia is similar, in principle, to that adopted in the European Union. However, there are differences. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the supply of therapeutic goods in Australia, including medical technology. Before a sponsor can supply items of medical technology in Australia, the TGA has to grant an approval and enter the product in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
2.0 MTAA/MTANZ Code of Practice
The MTAA/MTANZ Code of Practice was adopted by Members in October 2005 and has been implemented since March 2006. The Code provides guidance on the medical technology industry's relationships with health care practitioners and consumers. The 4th edition MTAA/MTANZ Code of Practice was adopted by Members in October 2008. The Code is self regulated by industry and provides guidance on the medical technology industry's relationships with health care practitioners and consumers. Industry has a long association of working with clinical professionals. Under the Code of Practice, there are specific obligations which need to be noted to ensure that member companies are compliant with the Code.
3.0 Working with Healthcare Professionals
Medical technology industry personnel often need to work directly with healthcare professionals. Effective communication skills appropriate to the differing learning styles of healthcare providers are essential to their role. In addition, understanding the ACORN Standards by visitors to the peri-operative environment is required for authorised admission. A range of modules reinforcing the skill sets required to work effectively are available.
Infection Control
MTAA has developed Infection Control Guidelines for the Medical Technology Industry. This document aims to assist companies in ensuring staff who enter health care facilities can manage and minimise their exposure to infectious diseases and that of patients.
The guidelines support the development of optimal company policies and procedures to reduce this risk. NSW Department of Health has confirmed that the guidelines are aligned to the recommendations set by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare's surveillance document Reducing harm to patients through healthcare associated infections: the role of surveillance; and recommendations in the draft National Infection Control Guidelines.
Please click here to access the guidelines.
4.0 Reimbursement of Medical Technology
The Australian medical technology industry includes Australian and overseas companies manufacturing and supplying medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics and medical imaging equipment. The medical technology industry makes a highly significant contribution to the quality of healthcare in Australia. The reimbursement of medical technology in Australia is complicated and occurs in many forms. Some processes are interrelated, for example with Medicare; while others are stand alone schemes.
Workforce development is seen as critical to enable employees to meet the constant challenges of the medical technology industry and to address the strategic goals of the company. During 2009, a number of modules will be developed as part of a Workforce Development course to address this learning need.
Developing skills, knowledge and understanding in how better commercial practices support the work of medical technology companies. Three modules will become available under this course during 2009.
Registration
All training events through the MTAA must be registered to and paid for using a credit card (American Express, Visa, Mastercard only) via the on-line registration system. To register click on the module as they become available.
Please visit the MTAA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for further information regarding MTAA training event attendance.
In-house Training Opportunities
In-house training for member and non-member companies is available through the MTAA for most training modules. This is dependent upon requested dates and availability of the trainer(s). Modules will be presented in their current form as a half day or full day session.
All content will be delivered as developed by the MTAA at that point in time and may be subject to change without notice. Upon request, practical examples may be tailored by the facilitator(s). When hosting in-house training, the company is responsible to coordinate and provide all flights, accommodation, meals, transport and out of pocket expenses of the facilitator(s); and venue, catering and equipment. Where possible, these should be paid directly by the company. Any out of pocket expenses will be invoiced separately following the training. A maximum of twenty (20) participants may attend each workshop.
2009 Fees
Flat rate fees are available for member companies. Two flat rates apply, regardless of the number of participants within that category. Rates for non-member companies are available on application. Please note; module 3.2 Communicating Effectively with Healthcare Professionals is not available as in-house training.
For a list of 2009 fees click here.
Bookings
To make a booking, please complete the In-house Training Request Form. Upon receipt, the Professional Development Manager will notify the company contact of the availability of the facilitator(s) to conduct the training on the nominated date(s). A separate form is required for each training event.
When making a booking, the authorised person is required to certify the company has $20m public liability insurance.
Enquiries
For further information, please contact the MTAA Professional Development Manager on +612 9900 0650 or email reception@mtaa.org.au
