Theory SACT update FAQs

What are we doing?
We have developed a theory SACT update and are adding this to the digital SACT passport along with a new practical re-assessment.

What is the theory SACT update?
The theory SACT update is a small collection of questions, similar to those in the SACT passport, grouped into sections, with the aim of developing and updating SACT nurse knowledge. The update is designed to be completed by nurses as part of their annual or biannual SACT assessment. This year the theory SACT update contains the following sections:
• Extravasation
• Spillage
• Infusion/injection reactions and Anaphylaxis
• SACT toxicities
• New SACT drugs

How do I find the theory SACT update?
The theory SACT update is available when renewing a competency. See this guide on renewing competencies https://www.compassly.com/deeper-understanding/expiry-and-renewal  

Not all of the theory SACT update applies to me
When renewing a competency with the theory update option the assessor can choose the sections which apply to the nurse. If some sections don’t apply to the nurse, the assessor simply doesn’t choose them as an option.

Does the theory update have to be marked?
Yes, the theory update does have to be marked. We estimate this will take a marker between 30-60 mins. We have included multiple choice questions and AI assisted marking to try and speed this process up.

How long will the theory SACT update take to complete?
When the update was tested it took nurses between one and four hours to complete. We recommend nurses are given 4 hours of study time to complete it.  

How do I learn about the topics included in the theory SACT update?
Each question has at least one reference that the nurse should read prior to completing the question. This will help them to learn about the topic. Educators may choose to provide bespoke teaching on the topics contained within the update prior to their nurses undertaking it.

Who created the theory SACT update?
A group of experienced SACT nurses and educators from around the UK and Ireland formed a group to develop and refine the questions within the theory SACT update. The format of the update was modelled on the one developed by the SWAG and Peninsula cancer alliances.

Is the update mandatory?
The theory SACT update is recommended by UKONS but is not mandatory.

Is the update the same every year?
No, the update will be different each year. The working group will create questions based on the new developments that have arisen within the year.Do I have to wait until my competency expires before completing the theory SACT update or practical re-assessment?No, you can renew a competency whenever you like, you don’t need to wait until it expires.

What is the practical re-assessment?
The practical re-assessment mirrors the initial assessment that is already in the SACT passport. It contains detailed criteria which SACT nurses can be assessed against. We have added the practical re-assessment after many requests from digital SACT passport users.

I thought the passport already had a practical re-assessment?
No, since the digital SACT passport was launched it mirrored the paper version of the passport by including a re-accreditation.

What's the difference between the practical re-assessment and the re-accreditation?
The re-accreditation is a declaration completed by the nurse and the SACT assessor stating that the nurse remains competent to administer SACT and has demonstrated continual professional development.
The practical re-assessment involves the SACT assessor watching the nurse in practice and determining whether they are still competent to administer SACT. Detailed criteria are used to identify any gaps in knowledge or poor practice that need to addressed.

How do I find the practical re-assessment?
The practical re-assessment is available when renewing a competency.

See this guide on renewing competencies.

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Can I choose how to renew a competency?
Yes, the digital SACT passport now has 4 renewal options:
• Declaration only
• Practical re-assessment only
• Practical re-assessment and Theory
• Theory (this includes a declaration) This should enable flexibility for SACT nurses and their assessors
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How can I get involved in developing the theory SACT update next year.
If you would like to be involved, please email: UKONS@compassly.com