Training activity information
Details
Troubleshoot and manage issues arising with renal replacement equipment to prevent escalation of technical issues
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
- SOPs
- Alarms
- Continuous monitoring
- Pressures/flows
- Risk management
- Infection prevention and control
- Patient centred care and support
- Communication with the multidisciplinary team, patient and relatives
- Local and national regulations
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 common technical alarms and malfunctions that can occur with the CRRT equipment? What are the basic troubleshooting steps for these issues?
- What specific practical skills do you hope to develop in identifying and resolving equipment-related problems during CRRT? What is your current knowledge of CRRT equipment operation and common faults?
- Familiarise yourself with the CRRT machine’s user manual and troubleshooting guide. Discuss common technical problems and their solutions with experienced colleagues. Consider how you will approach problem-solving in a systematic way.
In action
- Pay attention to your approach to identifying and resolving technical alarms or malfunctions with the CRRT equipment.
- What steps are you taking to diagnose the problem?
- What decisions are you making about potential solutions or adjustments to the equipment?
- What aspects of technical troubleshooting feel familiar, and where do you need to consult resources or seek assistance?
- How successful are you in resolving the technical issues and preventing them from escalating?
- What challenges are you facing with the equipment or in diagnosing the cause of the alarms?
- What are you learning about the practical operation and potential problems of the CRRT machine as you are troubleshooting?
- If your initial troubleshooting steps are not effective, what alternative approaches are you considering in the moment?
- What immediate technical support might you need if you cannot resolve the issue independently?
- Are you following established protocols for managing technical alarms and equipment malfunctions?
On action
- Describe the technical issues that occurred with the CRRT equipment.
- What alarms or error messages were displayed?
- What were the initial steps taken to diagnose the problem?
- What did you learn about the common technical malfunctions of CRRT equipment?
- How were protocols and guidelines used to guide troubleshooting?
- What is the importance of preventative maintenance and early intervention?
- What specific equipment-related issues do you need to understand better?
- Where can you find detailed troubleshooting guides for the CRRT machines used in your practice?
- How can you contribute to preventing technical issues and ensuring patient safety?
Beyond action
- Consider evaluating and re-evaluating your approach to identifying and resolving technical alarms and equipment malfunctions. With more experience, are you now more familiar with common issues and their solutions?
- Have you had experiences with subsequent training activities where you encountered technical problems with CRRT equipment? How did your ability to troubleshoot evolve? What new strategies or resources have you learned about?
- Revisit your reflect-on-action notes from this DTA. Have your insights into the causes of technical issues and effective management strategies deepened? What further learning or practical experience might be beneficial?
- Have you engaged in professional storytelling with peers or technical staff about challenging equipment malfunctions? Did these discussions provide new insights into prevention or resolution?
- How has this experience enhanced your ability to respond calmly and effectively to technical alarms and prevent escalation of issues in CRRT and potentially other medical equipment?
- Have you applied the troubleshooting skills and knowledge gained from this DTA in subsequent clinical practice? How has your confidence in managing equipment-related issues developed? How has experience since influenced your wider practice?
- Identify the transferable skills you are developing, such as problem-solving in technical domains, attention to detail, and the ability to follow protocols under pressure.
- Identify clear actions for continued development in your technical expertise related to CRRT equipment and alarm management.
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. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Evaluate and manage risk to practice safely in all elements of patient care. |