Training activity information
Details
Select, perform and interpret tests for STIs using the following techniques and suggest options for management:
- Microscopy
- Culture, identification and AST
- Molecular assays
- Serology for syphilis
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.
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
- How does this DTA contribute to your understanding of techniques used in microbiology and their application to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
- What do you already know about common STIs, their causative agents, and the principles behind microscopy, culture, identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), molecular assays, and serology for syphilis?
- What relevant guidelines (local, national, international) regarding STI testing and management are you aware of?
- What specific skills in performing or interpreting microscopy, culture, AST, molecular assays, and syphilis serology for STIs do you hope to develop or improve?
- What insights do you anticipate gaining regarding the selection of appropriate tests for different STIs?
- How do you expect to enhance your ability to suggest management options based on test results?
- How will you prepare for this activity? Will you review specific protocols, guidelines, or previous experiences?
- What questions will you ask your training officer to ensure you have a clear understanding of the activity and expected standards?
- Will you research the principles of each technique (microscopy, culture, AST, molecular assays, serology) in the context of STI diagnosis?
- What challenges do you anticipate in performing these techniques or interpreting the results accurately?
- How might you handle unexpected results or difficulties in identifying organisms?
- What challenges might arise when suggesting management options, considering factors like antimicrobial resistance?
In action
- What specific STI tests are you currently performing (e.g., Gram stain, specific culture, PCR for Chlamydia trachomatis, syphilis serology)?
- How are you approaching the selection and execution of each of these techniques? Why are you doing it this way? What decisions are you making regarding which tests to perform in what order?
- What aspects of performing these STI tests feel intuitive to you, and what requires more conscious effort?
- How effective are your current actions in obtaining interpretable results for each technique?
- What challenges are you facing during the process of selecting, performing, and interpreting these STI tests (e.g., issues with microscopy, culture growth, PCR amplification, serological interpretation)?
- What can you learn about STI testing and interpretation as the activity unfolds?
- How does this STI testing activity connect to your existing knowledge of microbiology, virology (for some STIs), and infectious diseases?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering if a particular technique is not yielding expected results (e.g., using a different stain, alternative culture media, troubleshooting a molecular assay)?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment from a senior colleague or the training officer regarding any aspect of the STI testing process?
- Are you working within your scope of practice when selecting, performing, and interpreting these STI tests and considering management options?
On action
- Begin by summarising the key points of the experience of selecting, performing, and interpreting tests for STIs.
- What were the most significant observations regarding the techniques (Microscopy, Culture, Molecular, Serology for syphilis) or the results obtained?
- What skills or knowledge did you develop or improve through engaging in this DTA, particularly in selecting, performing, interpreting these specific STI tests, or suggesting management options?
- Were there any unexpected challenges or successes during the activity?
- What did you learn from these regarding your approach or capabilities in handling STI diagnostics?
- In what ways did your ‘reflection-in-action’ (thinking and adapting during the activity) influence how the DTA unfolded?
- What areas for continued development have been identified as a result of performing this DTA and reflecting on it, perhaps related to specific techniques or interpreting complex results? How can you apply the learning from this activity to your routine practice in the laboratory or when contributing to patient management discussions for STI cases?
- Identify the specific actions or ‘next steps’ you will now take to support the assimilation of what you have learned, such as reviewing specific guidelines or practicing a technique.
- What support or resources might you need to further develop in the areas identified through this reflection?
Beyond action
- Revisit your initial reflect-on-action notes for this DTA.
- What additional insights have you gained since the initial reflection?
- Has discussing challenging STI cases or results with colleagues altered your perspective?
- How did this specific STI testing experience compare to other infection testing experiences you have performed (e.g., UTIs, respiratory)?
- What patterns or recurring challenges have you identified across multiple testing scenarios?
- Have you discussed STI diagnostics or management approaches during professional storytelling with peers or senior colleagues?
- What new perspectives did this bring, particularly regarding liaison with clinical or public health teams?
- How have the skills (e.g., proficiency in specific techniques like molecular or serology, interpretation considering guidelines, communication of sensitive results) you developed during this DTA influenced your subsequent work with other pathogens?
- Have you applied the learning from this STI testing experience, such as understanding the importance of timely results or partner notification, to other aspects of your microbiology practice?
- How does the learning from this DTA contribute to your preparedness for observed assessments like interpreting syphilis serology or communicating results?
- What transferable skills in applying multiple techniques, interpreting complex results in a clinical and public health context, and communicating effectively, developed through this DTA, will be valuable throughout your training and beyond?
- Identify clear actions for continued development related to STI diagnostics or public health microbiology based on your cumulative experiences and reflections. For instance, are there specific molecular techniques or reporting requirements you need to focus on?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Select and perform tests to investigate common infections from a range of sample types following guidance and fulfilling health and safety requirements |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Interpret the results of tests used to investigate common infections from a range of sample types with consideration of laboratory quality assurance and quality control |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Identify options for management of common infections based on test results and clinical context, considering infection control, guidelines and public health requirements |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Perform and interpret molecular techniques for the investigation of common infections following guidance and fulfilling health and safety requirements |