Clinical aspects of reproductive science

Details

Title

Clinical aspects of reproductive science

Type

Stage One

Module code

HLS315

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of the training period trainees will, in respect to the clinical aspects of reproductive science, be able to

• analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge
• perform a range of technical and clinical skills and procedures
• demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for professional practice as a consultant clinical scientist dealing with the complexities, uncertainties and tensions of professional practice at this level.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise relevant knowledge and its application to their professional practice in relation to the:

• range of therapies and investigations available for male and female infertility and the clinical indications for their use
• range of drug therapies used in infertility treatment and adverse effects including allergic reactions
• endocrine and physiological responses to different ovarian stimulation regimes and range of side effects
• normal and abnormal expected outcomes of treatment
• issues of gamete and embryo donation and also surrogacy
• origin of abnormalities in gametes and embryos and the implications for treatment
• genetic factors in infertility including epigenetics and imprinting associated with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
• factors affecting embryo quality
• emerging methods and specialist treatments and application as evidence-based medicine
• treatment of special risk groups (including couples with blood-borne viruses) and handling samples which may contain category 2, 3 and 4 pathogens
• purpose and process of preparation and interpretation of clinical diagnostic reports
• interpretation of relevant external testing and sensitive communication with patients
• effective patient interviews and information giving
• effective communication with other professionals, including clinicians, scientists, clinical embryologists, nurses and counsellors
• work in partnership with colleagues, other professionals, patients and their carers to maximise patient care
• counselling and interpersonal skills
• linkages between the reproductive science laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation of male and female infertility
• interpretation of data into knowledge for use in the clinical context of individual and groups of patients
• assessment of gametes and embryos for intended use and implications for direct patient treatment
• scientific principles underpinning research
• research process and application of statistical techniques for analysing and interpreting data
• critical evaluation and analysis of peer-reviewed publications clinical aspects of follow up of ART treatment.

Technical and clinical skills

This assumes knowledge of the laboratory aspects of reproductive science (see Stage 1 Module 1)

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current relevant research, theory and knowledge and its application to the performance of the following technical procedures and laboratory skills:

• to fully advise patients and provide the technical skills for a range of infertility therapies.
• to fully communicate and advise patients on the known and possible factors affecting outcomes and the results of investigation and treatment.

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to apply knowledge of the clinical aspects of reproductive science to perform the clinical skills necessary to manage these under supervision:

• clinical aspects of reproductive science.