AGIP – Association of GI Physiologists

The Official e-Newsletter of the Association of GI Physiologists

Read NewWave

Read more

Find documents and guidance here.

AGIP recognises the Scientific Training Programme for Gastrointestinal Physiology and Urodynamic Science (Modernising Scientific Careers) as a suitable training pathway for Gastrointestinal Physiologists. A further year in practice at the appropriate level and with a formal portfolio is required for application for Accredited Independent Healthcare Professional status.

Individual modules within this programme are available to healthcare professionals as part of CPD.

AGIP recognises the Higher Specialist Scientific Training Programme (Modernising Scientific Careers) as suitable training pathway for Consultant Clinical Scientist in Gastrointestinal Physiology.

AGIP recognises the “Equivalence” pathway for both statutory clinical scientist registration and Consultant Clinical Scientist status available to all Accredited Independent Healthcare Professionals in Gastrointestinal Physiology. This pathway is accessed through the Academy of Healthcare Science.

September has been a busy month for development of the Accredited Scientific Practice (ASP). In discussion with the National School for Healthcare Science (NSHCS), two new ASPs have been developed in Upper and Lower GI Physiology.

From September 2017 we have three ASP trainees starting the pilot – one for Lower GI and two for Upper GI.

Workplaces are able to choose from the existing Lower and Upper GI Physiology ASPs, (details below) or propose their own if they require a different mix of skills. For example, a department with a heavy research focus may wish to propose an ASP which includes the STP module Research Methods. For each module, there will be assignments set by the University, workplace assessments to be completed in an e-portfolio, and Observed Structured Final Assessments (OSFA) appropriate to the ASP.  If an individual completes 60 credits, they would qualify for a Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Newcastle.

Below is a summary of the ASP courses available, Academic modules are via Newcastle University and the workplace aspect is via NSHCS:

Upper GI Route: Accredited Scientist Programme in Upper GI Physiology

•     Introduction to GI Physiology (10 credits)
•    Upper GI Specialist course – Upper GI Physiology (30 credits)

Lower GI Route: Accredited Scientist Programme in Lower GI Physiology

•    Introduction to GI Physiology (10 credits)
•    Lower GI specialist course – Lower GI Physiology and Endoanal Ultrasound (10 credits)

Any combination of STP modules can be proposed to form an ASP to meet the needs required by the workplace. More details of modules which may be of interest can be found here;

• Gastrointestinal Physiology
• Urodynamic Science

The cost per 10 credits is £435 (therefore a 30 credit module is £1305), which does not include travel or expenses.

Cost for the workplace-based assessment and OSFA examinations have not yet been confirmed.

Please remember that AGIP will be making the above compulsory for those individuals seeking Independent Accreditation through AGIP. For those departments undertaking IQIPS accreditation, it is a requirement to have all members of the team appropriately qualified.

For further information please email: Elisa.Skinner@srft.nhs.uk

Criteria

• Are Associate members of AGIP (BSG)
• Are state registered where appropriate?
• Have a minimum of 3 years experience in GI Physiology
• Have obtained appropriate academic qualifications and professional competencies through one of our two approved training routes:

1. Scientist Training Programme for Gastrointestinal Physiology and Urodynamic Science (Modernising Scientific Careers) or
2. Accredited Specialist Scientific Practice (ASSP) route

• Have a formal portfolio that evidences practice conforming to the highest standards of good clinical and scientific practice

Apply to become Accredited

Fellowship status will be available to…

a) Accredited Independent Healthcare Professionals in GI Physiology who:-

• Have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in GI Physiology
• Have taken an active role in the Association
• Are considered by the committee to have made an outstanding contribution to GI Physiology

b) Affiliated Members with no clinical experience who:

• Fulfil the criteria for fellowship as above
• Have been employed in academic research or development or teaching

Those members who have attained the status of ‘Fellow’ would be recognised as having the appropriate experience to give expert advice in their field of practice.

Such individuals must be proposed by two Fellows of AGIP, scrutinised by the Accreditation
Committee and ratified by the full Committee. Fellows may use the designatory letters FAGIP.

Apply to become a Fellow of AGIP

The AGIP council have created a document providing an overview of Uncertainty of Measurement, which now forms part of Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) accreditation under the revised standard (IQIPS Standard v2: 2020). This may be of use to GI Physiology services who are working towards IQIPS accreditation, or transitioning to the new IQIPS standard.

You can find the full document here.

This document may be updated in future when further guidance is available.