Polysomnographic Technologist

Detailed Overview

The Polysomnographic Technologist is responsible for performing polysomnograms for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep / arousal disorders.

Duties include receiving requisitions and preparing patients for specific studies, the collective process of monitoring, recording, and scoring physiologic data during sleep, entering relevant data into a computerized database, conducting various tests involving non-invasive techniques including electroencephalography, electrooculography, electromyography, electrocardiography, multiple sleep latency and respiratory tracings, monitoring patient during procedures, recording measurements, formulating technical reports for interpretation by medical staff in clinical diagnosis, and monitoring equipment performance.

Responsibilities Receives and prepares patients for polysomnographic studies by performing duties such as receiving requisitions from physicians, reviewing case history and assessing the nature of the problem to determine process and direct study accordingly.

Prepares patients for studies by receiving and interviewing patient or family, explaining procedures, connecting patient to a variety of monitor devices, and monitoring patient's comfort to ensure patient is at ease while obtaining required results.

Conducts various polysomnographic related tests involving non-invasive techniques such as electroencephalography, electrooculography, electromyography, electrocardiography, multiple sleep latency and respiratory tracings on patients by performing duties such as operating a variety of monitoring devices required for sleep studies, calibrating and adjusting the equipment during test processes, taking appropriate measurements from test data produced in order to demonstrate whether abnormalities exist, and ensuring that the data generated is processed to provide computerized written and graphic reports.

Keeps close surveillance on patient during the polysomnographic study for crises intervention by methods such as observing and responding in the event of cardiac arrest or other emergent situations by methods such as initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation and informing designated staff of emergency situation in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Formulates preliminary polysomnographic study reports to facilitate the identification of dysfunction in sleep / wake cycles, the diagnosis of breathing disorders during sleep, and the evaluation of treatment of these disorders by performing duties such as analyzing recordings according to accreditation standards, measuring numerical data, describing abnormal manifestations and other observations, and forwarding calculation / reports to physician for use in clinical diagnosis.

Maintains, monitors and tests the integrity of the laboratory equipment in accordance with recommended manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safe and effective functioning through methods such as calibrating and cleaning equipment, running diagnostic applications and recording results as well as identifying malfunctioning equipment for repair.

Notifies Manager of identified repairs / issues for determination of appropriate action. Participates in quality control program by performing duties such as identifying and trouble-shooting problems and independently resolving technical difficulties in order to ensure quality service standards.

Maintains a variety of records including patient files through methods such as gathering information, entering data into computerized databases and / or recording information into approved formats, coding and manipulating databases to generate reports, compiling statistics including analyzing trends and accounting for variances, and summarizing information into written reports as requested.

Guides clinical experience of assigned new staff and students by monitoring progress, ensuring policies and procedures are respected;

provides input to the manager as requested on individual's progress in achieving established clinical practice guidelines and standards of practice.

Demonstrates technical procedures, usage of equipment, and interpretation of tests to staff including medical residents and students.

Participates in team activities required to ensure an efficient and effective delivery of service through methods such as attending departmental in-service programs and meetings including goal setting and planning and new initiatives, reviewing current literature, consulting with other health care professionals, promoting quality management principles for team operations, and making recommendations regarding modifications and development of procedures, operating standards and polysomnographic resource materials.

Identifies and reports unsafe practice / professional conduct in accordance with professional standards and the organization's policies.

Participates on designated program and professional committees / teams through methods such as attending meetings, drafting / revising client care documentation / methods / forms for review by committee / team and providing written / verbal input to promote improvements to client and family care, and the efficient and safe operation of the sleep laboratory.

Participates in approved interdisciplinary research and special projects in collaboration with Manager and other health care professionals, through methods such as collecting data, summarizing information, and / or providing verbal updates for review and further analysis by principal researcher, research team and / or project coordinator.

Sets measurable goals and objectives within a team or individual environment, incorporating the organization's vision and values, goals and corporate plan, through methods such as maintaining and updating knowledge of clinical and professional development within area of practice, and developing plan in collaboration with manager for professional development;

reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established timeframes. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education and Experience Diploma in Respiratory Therapy or Electroneurophysiology Technology from an accredited institution.

One year's recent, related experience in sleep study work or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Eligible for registration with the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). Current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Skills and Abilities Broad knowledge of evidence-based polysomnographic theory and practice related to conducting various tests, and recording and analyzing a variety of physical parameters on patients, involving non-invasive techniques.

Broad knowledge of the sleep-induced physiological changes in various body systems including the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and respiratory systems.

Broad knowledge of the physiological and behavioural alterations associated with sleep / wake pathology. Demonstrated skill in the interpretation of electroencephalographic, electroculographic, electromyographic, electrocardiographic, multiple sleep latency tests and respiratory tracings so as to be able to intervene appropriately during a sleep study.

Demonstrated skill in techniques and the use of a variety of monitoring devices and instrumentation required for sleep studies including electrocardiograph, pulse oximeter, electroencephalograph and electromyography equipment.

Demonstrated skill and understanding in the use of a variety of ventilator supportive devices such as home ventilators, BIPAP and CPAP.

Broad knowledge of research process and methodology. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, physicians, other health care staff, clients and their families, both one-on-one and in groups.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing. Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.

Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment, including computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheet and databases.

Demonstrated ability in CPR techniques. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.