Training activity information
Details
Select, perform, and interpret tests for viral causes of gastrointestinal infection using the following techniques and suggest options for management:
- Molecular assays
and/or
- Antigen detection
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 will this DTA contribute to your understanding of the role of molecular assays and antigen detection in diagnosing viral gastrointestinal infections?
- What are the common viral pathogens causing gastrointestinal infections?
- What is your understanding of the principles and application of molecular assays and antigen detection methods for these viruses?
- What specific skills in interpreting results from viral PCR and antigen detection assays for gastrointestinal pathogens do you hope to develop?
- How will you learn about the advantages and limitations of these techniques compared to traditional culture?
- How will this activity enhance your ability to suggest management options for viral gastrointestinal infections, considering the limited role of antivirals for many of these?
- How will you prepare for this DTA?
- Will you review the principles of PCR and antigen detection assays used for enteric viruses?
- Will you discuss with your training officer the clinical indications for testing for specific enteric viruses?
- What challenges might arise in interpreting a positive viral result in an asymptomatic individual?
- How will you understand the epidemiological significance of identifying different enteric viruses?
- How do you feel about learning to diagnose viral causes of gastroenteritis, which are often self-limiting but important for public health?
In action
- What specific viral gastrointestinal infection tests are you currently performing or interpreting (e.g., PCR for norovirus, rotavirus antigen detection assay)?
- How are you approaching the execution or interpretation of these assays? Why are you doing it this way (e.g., understanding the high sensitivity and specificity of molecular tests, following kit instructions for antigen detection)?
- What decisions are you making regarding the interpretation of positive or negative results in the clinical context?
- What aspects of performing or interpreting these tests feel intuitive to you, and what requires more conscious effort (e.g., understanding the limitations of antigen detection compared to molecular methods, interpreting cycle threshold values in PCR)?
- How effective are your current actions in obtaining or interpreting clinically relevant results for viral gastrointestinal infections?
- What challenges are you facing during the process (e.g., understanding the implications of a positive result in asymptomatic individuals)?
- What can you learn about diagnosing viral gastrointestinal infections and their role in outbreaks as the activity unfolds?
- How does this activity connect to your understanding of common enteric viruses, their epidemiology, and infection control measures?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering if initial tests are negative but clinical suspicion remains high (e.g., using a multiplex PCR panel for a broader range of enteric viruses)?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment from a senior colleague or the training officer regarding the interpretation of unexpected results or their public health implications?
- Are you working within your scope of practice when selecting, performing, and interpreting these tests and considering management options?
On action
- Begin by summarising the key points of the experience working with viral gastrointestinal diagnostics using molecular assays and/or antigen detection.
- What were the most significant observations regarding the performance or interpretation of these specific techniques for enteric viruses?
- What skills or knowledge did you develop or improve through this DTA, specifically in selecting the appropriate molecular or antigen tests, performing them, interpreting the results (e.g., amplification curves or band detection), or contributing to management based on viral findings?
- Were there any unexpected challenges (e.g., assay inhibition in molecular tests, weak antigen detection) or successes?
- What did you learn from these? In what ways did your ‘reflection-in-action’ influence your approach during the activity, such as troubleshooting or considering sample quality issues?
- What areas for continued development have been identified, perhaps concerning the nuances of molecular assay interpretation or understanding the clinical relevance of detecting specific enteric viruses?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to your routine practice when processing samples for viral gastrointestinal diagnostics?
- Identify the specific actions or ‘next steps’ you will take to enhance your understanding of these techniques. What support or resources might you need to further develop in these areas?
Beyond action
- Revisit your initial reflect-on-action notes for this DTA. What additional insights have you gained since the initial reflection?
- Has discussing viral GI outbreaks (e.g., Norovirus) with colleagues or infection control teams altered your perspective on the speed and impact of results?
- How did this specific viral GI testing experience compare to bacterial or parasitic GI testing?
- What unique challenges (e.g., sample type for molecular tests, understanding Ct values, infection control implications) have you identified with viral samples?
- Have you discussed viral GI diagnostics, infection control, or reporting during professional discussions or clinical meetings? What new perspectives did this bring?
- How have the skills (e.g., performing molecular assays or antigen detection, interpreting these results in the context of viral shedding, understanding infection control measures) you developed during this DTA influenced your approach to viral testing from other sites?
- Have you applied the learning from this DTA, such as recognising the importance of rapid turnaround time for infection control or the role of molecular testing in outbreak management, to other aspects of your microbiology practice?
- How does the learning from this DTA contribute to your preparedness for interpreting molecular results or liaising with infection control?
- What transferable skills in applying molecular and rapid detection techniques, interpreting results for infection control and public health, and understanding the epidemiology of viral infections, developed through this DTA, will be valuable throughout your training and beyond?
- Identify clear actions for continued development related to viral diagnostics, molecular techniques, or infection control microbiology based on your cumulative experiences and reflections.
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 |