Training and assessment of equipment-related competence. Comparison of a petrochemical company and a hospital

The role of technology in healthcare is constantly increasing. Training with equipment in healthcare does not seem to be as strictly organized as in other industries. The purpose of this paper is to describe the differences in organization and management of equipment-related training between a petrochemical company and a hospital, in order to extract information that can be incorporated into a hospital’s safety management system. Interviews were held at a petrochemical plant of one of the world’s largest companies and at a large non-academic teaching hospital, both in The Netherlands. At the petrochemical company, 2 learning advisors were interviewed, responsible for the content of training programs for operators. At the hospital, interviews were held with 2 educational coordinators and a team leader of the operating department. At the petrochemical company competencies are defined for every job including accompanying training sessions and assessments, followed by certification. All training and certification is mandatory. There is a separate department responsible for all education within the company and all competencies and certification are registered electronically. At the hospital training is not organized as strictly. Equipment-related training is not mandatory and, except for laparoscopic operating equipment, not repeated regularly. Assessment and certification of personnel does not take place. Equipment-related training and assessment in hospitals could be organized more strictly. The petrochemical industry can be used as an example of a sector in which this development has already taken place. To establish such changes, sharpening of legislation and regulations by governmental bodies is of fundamental importance.