Training activity information
Details
Prescribe technology for use in the clinical management of a patient, under supervision
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
- Prescribing equipment could include diagnostic, monitoring or assistive technology
- Communication with the multidisciplinary team and other stakeholders
- Environment in which technology is to be used
- Setting up/adjusting equipment
- Training needs for patient, carers or other clinicians
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
- Based on the patient’s needs and assessment findings, what technology is appropriate for their clinical management?
- What factors will you consider when prescribing the technology (e.g., patient goals, environment, cost)?
- How will you document the prescription and rationale?
- What knowledge of available assistive technologies is required?
- What do you hope to learn about the process of prescribing healthcare technology for patient management?
- What insights do you expect to gain about matching technology to individual needs and goals?
- What prior knowledge do you have about different types of assistive technology and their applications?
- How will you ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s needs and goals?
- What different technology options will you consider?
- How will you evaluate the suitability of each option?
- What guidance will you seek from your supervisor regarding the prescription?
- What potential challenges might arise during the prescription process, and how will you prepare for them?
- How do you feel about prescribing technology for patients?
In action
- When considering the prescription of technology, what key factors about the patient’s needs, goals, and environment are you prioritising? Why?
- What decisions are you making about the specific type of technology, its configuration, and any necessary training or support for the patient?
- Are you drawing on past experiences or knowledge of different technologies to inform your prescription?
- What feels intuitive in this process, and what requires more careful consideration?
On action
- Summarise the technology you prescribed, the rationale for your choice, and any considerations for its use.
- What did you learn about prescribing technology for clinical management?
- Did you improve your ability to match technology to patient needs and goals?
- What factors influenced your prescribing decisions?
- Were there any challenges in selecting the most appropriate technology or considering potential contraindications?
- What did you learn from these?
- How did you balance the patient’s needs with the available technology and resources when making your prescription?
- How does appropriate technology prescription contribute to improved patient outcomes and quality of life?
- What aspects of technology prescription or the range of available devices do you need to learn more about?
- What further understanding of patient needs assessment would be valuable?
- How will you approach future technology prescriptions?
- What specific actions will you take to enhance your prescribing skills and knowledge?
- What resources or supervision would be beneficial?
Beyond action
- Have you had opportunities to prescribe technology for other patients since this DTA?
- How has your understanding of the factors influencing technology prescription (e.g., patient needs, environment, cost) deepened?
- Have you reviewed the outcomes of your prescriptions and considered their effectiveness?
- How has this experience influenced your decision-making process when considering technology prescriptions?
- Has your understanding of the importance of patient involvement and multidisciplinary input in prescription improved?
- Has your awareness of the potential benefits and risks associated with technology prescription evolved?
- What skills in clinical reasoning, technology appraisal, and patient-centred care did you develop that are vital for autonomous prescribing practice?
- How has this experience shaped your understanding of the long-term impact of technology prescriptions on patients’ lives?
- What actions will you take to further develop your skills in prescribing healthcare technology?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 3 |
Outcome
Conduct a patient episode from referral to treatment including identification and prescription of healthcare technology. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Explain the clinical impact of pathological processes and mechanisms and formulate appropriate measurement and intervention strategies for the condition. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Appraise patient experiences, requirements and goals across specialist service areas. |