Attached below is a template for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate collaborative Sonographer training arrangements between DHBs and Private Providers.

It is recommended that this resource be used to formalise existing informal arrangements or new Sonographer training partnerships with private providers. If it is considered that there is a need to adapt the document for local conditions, please ensure that operational agreements are documented and legal advice is sought at a local level.

This joint document is a resource which is intended to support training partnerships between DHBs and Private Providers. It specifically covers the arrangement whereby the two organisations work collaboratively, to meet the learning requirements of trainee sonographers as outlined in the clinical learning programme.

The template MoU is a framework which outlines the overarching goals of the partnership and also specifies the details of the arrangement. The intention is to provide clarity for both parties in relation to the agreement and to provide guidance to ensure ongoing successful relationships, attractive working arrangements for the staff concerned, shared understanding and operations, and the achievement of mutually beneficial outcomes.

Facilitating shared training partnership models between public and private, has been a key priority for the Sonographer Workforce Development Programme (SWDP). Feedback from DHBs signalled that the majority of Sonographer training occurs in the DHBs, which then supports private providers with a trained workforce. It was identified that the contribution of private providers to sonographer training requires further development. This template MoU aims to address this issue.

Template Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Sonographer Training Partnerships between DHBs & Private Providers

We hope that your team will use this resource to support capability and capacity development to deliver quality clinical supervision for Sonographers. The document is intended to be used in conjunction with existing site-specific supervision requirements and policies.

The Australasian Sonographer Association (ASA) developed this high quality learning resource with the support of the Victorian State Government; to improve the quality and consistency of clinical training of sonographers across New Zealand and Australia.  The handbook enables skill development and self-learning in a flexible and practical manner, regardless of location. The resource also provides access to a Clinical Supervision Skills Review Tool, templates to support effective supervision and links to other useful resources.

This means that DHBs can use this learning resource to develop their in-house Sonographer clinical supervisory capability and capacity. The handbook enables skill development and self-learning in a flexible and practical manner, regardless of location. The resource also provides access to a Clinical Supervision Skills Review Tool, templates to support effective supervision and links to other useful resources.

Background

Capacity to provide supervision for trainees is a significant constraint in growing the sonographer workforce. The number of trained clinical supervisors and the quality of supervision is a key enabler to support trainees and can positively impact on staff retention.

Implementing training resources which DHBs can use to increase supervisory capacity and capability, is a key focus area for the SWDP group. The group is aiming to deliver training resources that are easily accessible to DHBs, and cover the core generic elements of clinical supervision while incorporating components specific to the sonographer workforce.

A Sonographer's Guide to Clinical Supervision

Clinical Supervision Skills Review Tool

You can access additional information about the Guide and the Australasian Sonographer Association (ASA) at:  https://www.sonographers.org/