Training activity information

Details

Perform an audit on a diagnostic assay for investigating autoimmunity and participate in the ongoing monitoring of an assays performance to that verified standard

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

  • Local audit SOP
  • Audit calendar
  • UKAS
  • Example template for assay verification

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 is the purpose of an audit on a diagnostic assay?   What standards or guidelines could be audited against?
  • What do you anticipate learning about the audit process and auditing laboratory procedures related to autoimmunity testing? What potential challenges might you face when performing an audit or participating in ongoing monitoring? How might you address these challenges?
  • How will you prepare for this activity? Will you review audit procedures or discuss the chosen assay with relevant colleagues? Are there any specific aspects that you are particularly interested in or apprehensive about?

In action

  • How are you approaching the different stages of the audit (e.g., reviewing documentation, observing procedures, interviewing, checking records)? What parts of the audit process feel straightforward and what aspects are more challenging for you to perform?
  •  What challenges are you encountering during the audit? What are you learning about the audit process aas you undertake this activity?
  • How are you adapting your approach during the audit based on your findings or any challenges encountered? Do you need to seek clarification or support from colleagues or your training officer at any point?

On action

  • Begin by summarising the key steps you took when performing the audit. What aspects of the assay or its documentation did you focus on? What were your findings from the audit? Were there areas of compliance or non-compliance with established protocols or standards?
  • What skills or knowledge related to performing audits  did you develop or improve through this activity? Were there any unexpected challenges or insights gained during the audit or monitoring process? What did you learn from these? In what ways did your reflection-in-action influence the outcomes of the activity? What areas for continued development in your auditing skills  have been identified as a result of this activity? How can you apply the learning from this activity to future audits or your role in maintaining the quality of diagnostic assays in your routine practice? What support or resources might you need to further develop your skills in auditing and quality assurance?

Beyond action

  • Have you been involved in other audits or quality improvement initiatives since performing this audit? How do these experiences compare?  Have you discussed your audit experience with colleagues or your training officer? Did this discussion offer new perspectives on the audit process or the importance of ongoing monitoring?
  • How has this experience of auditing impacted upon your current practice?   Consider how the skills gained from this DTA will support you in preparing for assessments that may touch upon quality assurance, such as discussing adherence to protocols or demonstrating an understanding of quality standards.
  • Identify clear actions for continued development in the area of quality assurance and auditing.

Relevant learning outcomes

# Outcome
# 6 Outcome

Practice in accordance with quality and accreditation standards.