Training activity information
Details
Select, perform and interpret tests for fungal and parasitological causes of genitourinary infections using the following techniques and suggest options for management:
- Microscopy
- Culture, identification and AST
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
- What is your existing knowledge of common fungal and parasitic agents that can cause genitourinary infections?
- What experience do you have with microscopy, culture, identification, and AST (where applicable) for these organisms?
- How will this DTA expand your knowledge beyond bacterial infections to include fungal and parasitic causes of genitourinary infections?
- What specific microscopic features of relevant fungi and parasites do you hope to learn to identify?
- What challenges do you anticipate in culturing and identifying these organisms?
- How will this activity improve your ability to suggest appropriate treatment options for these less common genitourinary infections?
- How will you prepare for this DTA? Will you review morphology guides for relevant fungi and parasites?
- Will you discuss with your training officer the specific protocols for handling and processing samples suspected of fungal or parasitic infection?
- What challenges might arise due to the lower prevalence of these infections compared to bacterial UTIs?
- How will you ensure correct identification and differentiation from commensal organisms?
- How do you feel about learning about these less frequent causes of genitourinary infections?
In action
- What specific fungal and parasitological genitourinary infection tests are you currently performing (e.g., wet mount for Trichomonas vaginalis, fungal culture for Candida species)?
- 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 appropriate stains or culture media for potential fungal or parasitic pathogens?
- What aspects of performing these tests feel intuitive to you, and what requires more conscious effort (e.g., identifying fungal structures, differentiating commensals from pathogens)?
- 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 tests (e.g., recognising subtle morphological features, interpreting scanty growth)?
- What can you learn about fungal and parasitological genitourinary infection testing and interpretation as the activity unfolds?
- How does this testing activity connect to your existing knowledge of mycology, parasitology, and infectious diseases?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering if initial tests are inconclusive (e.g., using specific stains, requesting further sample)?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment from a senior colleague or the training officer regarding any part of the testing process?
- 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 focusing on fungal and parasitological investigations for genitourinary samples. What specific observations did you make during microscopy or culture for these types of pathogens?
- What skills or knowledge did you develop or improve through this DTA, specifically regarding microscopy or culture techniques for fungal and parasitic pathogens in genitourinary samples, interpretation of findings, or suggesting management?
- Were there any unexpected challenges (e.g., identifying less common organisms) or successes? What did you learn from these?
- In what ways did your ‘reflection-in-action’ influence your approach during the activity, such as adjusting microscopy focus or considering differential diagnoses?
- What areas for continued development have been identified, particularly concerning the specific morphological identification under microscopy or cultural characteristics of fungal/parasitic agents?
- How can you apply this learning to your routine practice, especially when unexpected findings are noted on genitourinary samples?
- Identify the specific actions or ‘next steps’ you will take to consolidate this learning.
- What support or resources might you need to further develop in these specific 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 these less common pathogens with colleagues or reviewing reference materials altered your perspective?
- How did this specific testing experience compare to testing for bacterial genitourinary infections?
- What unique challenges or learning points have you identified across fungal/parasitic samples?
- Have you discussed fungal/parasitic diagnostics in the context of genitourinary infections during professional discussions? What new perspectives did this bring?
- How have the skills (e.g., specific microscopy stains, understanding growth requirements for fungi, identifying parasitic structures) you developed during this DTA influenced your approach to other non-bacterial pathogens or unusual samples?
- Have you applied the learning from this DTA, such as considering less common causes of infection or liaising with specialists, to other aspects of your microbiology practice?
- How does the learning from this DTA contribute to your preparedness for interpreting unusual microscopy findings or seeking expert advice?
- What transferable skills in identifying unusual pathogens, applying specialised techniques, and knowing when to consult experts or refer samples, developed through this DTA, will be valuable throughout your training and beyond?
- Identify clear actions for continued development related to fungal or parasitological diagnostics 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 |