Training activity information
Details
Set up line, prime and test renal replacement therapy equipment
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Prescription
- Equipment is fit for purpose
- Infection prevention and control
- Contraindications
- SOPs
- Local and national guidance
- Risk management
- Continuous monitoring
- Top up education for bedside healthcare professionals
- Safe storage of drugs
- First line maintenance
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the specific steps involved in setting up, priming, and testing the CRRT equipment used in your clinical setting? What safety checks are necessary?
- What specific practical skills do you hope to develop in handling the CRRT equipment? What do you already know about the setup process?
- Discuss this training activity with your training officer to ensure clarity. Consider possible difficulties you might encounter during the setup process, and how you might troubleshoot them. Identify any anxieties you have about this practical task.
In action
- Pay attention to each step you are taking to set up, prime, and test the equipment.
- Why are you performing each step in this particular order and manner?
- What decisions are you making regarding the correct connections and settings as you proceed?
- Which parts of the setup process feel straightforward, and which require more focused attention and double-checking?
- How smoothly is the equipment setup progressing?
- Are there any initial issues or difficulties?
- What challenges are you facing with the equipment or the process itself?
- What can you learn about the practical aspects of equipment setup as you are doing it?
- If you encounter a problem during setup (e.g., an air bubble or incorrect connection), what alternative steps are you considering to rectify it in the moment?
- What immediate support or guidance might you need if you are unsure how to resolve an issue?
- Are you adhering to established protocols and safety guidelines during the setup process?
On action
- Describe the sequence of steps you followed during the setup, priming, and testing process.
- What safety checks were crucial at each stage?
- Were there any alarms or warnings during the testing phase?
- How were they addressed?
- What did you learn about the functionality of the different components of the CRRT equipment?
- Did you encounter any challenges during the setup or priming?
- What did you learn from overcoming them?
- What is the importance of thorough testing before connecting to a patient?
- What specific steps in the setup process require more attention in the future?
- Do you need to review the equipment manual or protocols further?
- How will this experience improve your confidence and efficiency in preparing CRRT equipment?
Beyond action
- Consider evaluating and re-evaluating this experience to enhance your learning. Now, with more experience, are there aspects of the equipment setup or testing that you understand more thoroughly or would approach differently?
- Have you had experiences where you observed or performed equipment setup? How did those experiences compare with this DTA? What procedural steps or safety checks have you integrated into your practice?
- Revisit your reflect-on-action notes from this DTA. Have your insights into potential technical challenges or equipment functionalities deepened? What learning or actions might you now identify regarding equipment handling?
- Have you engaged in professional storytelling with peers or colleagues about equipment-related issues or best practices? Has this broadened your understanding of different approaches or troubleshooting techniques?
- How has this hands-on experience with CRRT equipment supported you in other practical procedures or your understanding of medical devices?
- Have you applied the skills and knowledge gained from this DTA when assisting with or observing CRRT procedures since? How has your confidence and competence in handling the equipment developed? How has experience since influenced your wider practice?
- Identify the transferable skills you are developing, such as attention to detail, problem-solving in technical contexts, and adherence to protocols.
- Identify clear actions for continued development in your technical skills related to CRRT equipment and troubleshooting.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Set up and programme a renal replacement therapy machine. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Evaluate and resolve clinical and technical issues relating to therapy. |