Subject: Important Updates – Recognition of Qualification & Programme Approval

Dear Member,

We are pleased to share important updates regarding the recognition and oversight of Clinical Measurement Physiology qualifications in Ireland.

On 24th June 2024, the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Physiology (IICMP) formalised an agreement with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to support two key processes, ensuring that robust standards are upheld until state regulation is introduced:

1. The recognition of Clinical Measurement Physiology qualifications obtained outside the State.
2. The approval and ongoing monitoring of entry-to-practice education programmes offered by education providers within the State.

The HSE has designated the IICMP to support these processes by gathering necessary information, providing professional guidance, and ensuring that standards of proficiency are upheld across the profession. While the IICMP advises on professional standards, the HSE—under the governance of the Clinical Measurement Oversight Group (CMOG)—remains the final decision-making authority. This initiative is fully supported and endorsed by the Department of Health.

Approval and Monitoring of Education Programmes

The IICMP has collaborated closely with the HSE to develop and approve:

• Standards of Proficiency for the five Clinical Measurement Physiology professions
• Higher Education Institution (HEI) application and approval criteria for entry to practice programs
• A Code of Conduct and Ethics for Clinical Measurement Physiologists
• An updated application process for Clinical Measurement Physiologists qualified outside the State for recognition of qualification

Applications for programme approval and international qualification recognition are processed through the IICMP.

Supporting Documents

To facilitate these processes, over the last 14 months, the IICMP has developed a suite of documents which have been approved by the HSE Clinical Measurement Oversight Group. These documents are now available at www.iicmp.ie/qualifications and include:

1. Standards of Proficiency for Clinical Measurement Physiology
   • Cardiac Clinical Measurement Physiologist
   • Gastrointestinal (GI) Clinical Physiologist
   • Neuro Clinical Measurement Physiologist
   • Respiratory Clinical Measurement Physiologist
   • Vascular Clinical Measurement Physiologist
2. Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Clinical Measurement Physiologists
3. Programme Approval and Monitoring Process – Guidance for Education Providers and Evaluation & Assessment Panel
4. Criteria for Education and Training Programmes in Clinical Measurement Physiology
5. Guidelines for Programme Providers – Criteria for Education and Training Programmes & Supporting Evidence Requirements
6. Mapping Template A – Self-Evaluation Guideline for HEI Programme Providers (Evidence of Achievement of IICMP Standards of Proficiency)
7. Mapping Template B – Self-Evaluation Guideline for HEI Programme Providers (Evidence of Achievement of IICMP Education and Training Criteria)
8. Programme Approval Application Document for HEI
9. Programme and Practice Education Team Guidelines for HEIs
10. Draft Report Template

Working Group

We would like to sincerely thank all those who contributed to the working group for their time, expertise, and dedication in shaping these important standards.

Members

These documents were prepared by Dr Ann Coughlan, Karen Dobbyn, Grainne Buicke, and Patricia Lawlor, informed by the contributions of members of the five Clinical Measurement Physiology disciplines, including:

• Dr Ann Coughlan, MPPM, PG Dip, MSc, PhD – Consultant Scientist in Neurophysiology & Clinical Measurement Physiology, Standards Officer IICMP (Jan–July 2024)
• Karen Dobbyn, MPPM, ASCST, MSCST, IBHRE, PG Dip, BSc (Hons) – Clinical Measurement Physiologist & CEO, IICMP
• Grainne Buicke, Certified Project Management Diploma, BSc Clinical Measurement Science, BA Management Practice, MSc Health Professions Education – Senior Vascular Physiologist & Accreditation and Standards Manager, IICMP
• Patricia Lawlor, BTEC GI Physiology, Tech Dip in Applied Science (Physics), MSc – President, IICMP

Members of the five Clinical Measurement Physiology disciplines also contributed to the development of the Standards of Proficiency Documents as part of the IICMP Standards Working Group. The contributors include:

Cardiac Clinical Measurement Physiologists:

• Andrea Ballentyne, Sligo General Hospital
• Ella Doherty, St Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny
• Emma Halton, Mater  Hospital
• Ceri Mc Evoy, Beacon Hospital
• Kathleen Morris, Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore

Gastrointestinal Clinical Measurement Physiologists:

• Lillian Barry, Bon Secours Hospital Cork
• Melissa Dooley, Private Practice, Gastrolife
• Patricia Lawlor, St. James Hospital Dublin

Neurophysiology Clinical Measurement Physiologists:

• Mary Daly, Cork University Hospital
• John Maguire, CHI at Children’s Hospital Crumlin
• Ciara Mc Grane, St James Hospital Dublin

Respiratory Clinical Measurement Physiologists:

• Geraldine Nolan, St Vincent’s University Hospital
• Alanna Martin, St. James Hospital Dublin
• Craig Mc Donnell, Tallaght University Hospital

Vascular Clinical Measurement Physiologists:

• Grainne Buicke, University Hospital Limerick
• Olivia Galvin, University Hospital Limerick 

Upholding Professional Standards

The IICMP remains committed to supporting the profession, promoting high-quality education, and upholding standards in the professions. As Clinical Measurement Physiologists, we all share a responsibility to uphold the highest standards in education, training, and professional practice. By working together, we strengthen the credibility, impact, and recognition of our profession within the healthcare system. We encourage you to take pride in your expertise, qualifications, and the essential role you play in patient care.

Regards,