Training activity information
Details
Respond to clinical queries/significant results related to the diagnosis and management of infection in people undergoing dialysis, including haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
To include selection and interpretation of relevant tests and drafting of advice.
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 specific knowledge about common dialysis-related infections (e.g., line infections, peritonitis), relevant diagnostic tests, and antimicrobial considerations in patients with renal impairment do you need to prepare?
- What specific understanding of the infectious complications in dialysis patients and the role of the microbiology lab in their management are you aiming for? What is your current knowledge of the common pathogens and their routes of infection in this patient group?
- Have you discussed common queries and significant results related to infections in dialysis patients with your training officer? What challenges might arise in interpreting results from different sample types (e.g., dialysate) or advising on treatment in the context of renal failure? How will you handle these? What are your initial thoughts and feelings about this activity?
In action
- What is your initial approach to the clinical query or significant result for a patient on dialysis?
- What immediate considerations related to their dialysis modality are you taking into account?
- What key decisions are you making about the appropriate types of samples to request, how to interpret results in the context of dialysis, and the formulation of management advice that considers potential complications related to their renal failure and dialysis access?
- What aspects of managing infections in this patient group feel somewhat routine, and where do you need to apply specific knowledge about dialysis-related infections?
- How confident are you that your approach will lead to an accurate diagnosis and effective management of the infection in this dialysis patient?
- What specific challenges or complexities related to infections in haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis patients are you encountering?
- What are you learning about the common sources of infection and specific management strategies for patients on dialysis?
- How does this activity connect to your understanding of renal physiology, dialysis procedures, and the common infectious complications in this population?
- Are you considering the need for specific investigations related to dialysis access sites or peritoneal fluid?
- Do you recognise when consultation with the renal team is necessary for optimal management?
- Are you ensuring your advice takes into account the specific risks and management considerations for patients undergoing dialysis?
On action
- Begin by summarising the key points of the experience of responding to clinical queries/significant results for individuals undergoing dialysis with suspected infections.
- What skills or knowledge did you develop or improve related to the specific types of infections common in dialysis patients, such as catheter-related bloodstream infections or peritonitis, and their diagnosis and management?
- Were there any unexpected challenges or successes in interpreting microbiological findings from dialysis fluids or catheter sites?
- What did you learn from these? In what ways did your reflection-in-action (during the activity) influence your advice on appropriate sampling and antimicrobial choices for these patients?
- How does this experience relate to the requirements for post-programme practice in providing specialist microbiology support to renal units?
- What areas for continued development have been identified in responding to clinical queries for infections in dialysis patients?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to your routine practice, particularly in understanding the guidelines for managing dialysis-related infections and the importance of collaboration with renal teams?
- Identify the actions / ‘next steps’ you will now take to support the assimilation of what you have learned, such as reviewing guidelines on dialysis-associated infections or discussing cases with nephrologists.
- What support or resources might you need to further develop your skills in this area, such as attending renal infection meetings or reviewing relevant publications?
Beyond action
- How has your understanding of managing infections in people undergoing dialysis evolved since undertaking this DTA and gaining further experience?
- How have you applied the skills and knowledge gained from this DTA regarding test selection, interpretation, and advice drafting for dialysis patients to other patient groups with renal impairment or specific dialysis-related infection scenarios?
- What connections can you draw between this DTA and other training activities or clinical experiences, and how do they build towards your overall development as a Healthcare Scientist dealing with patients with complex comorbidities?
- What further development needs related to infections in dialysis patients have been identified through revisiting this experience, and what actions will you now take?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Identify appropriate investigative strategies to diagnose and manage infections associated with specialist patient groups, considering guidance and public health requirements |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Select tests to diagnose and manage infections and interpret the results in the clinical context for specialist patient groups, with consideration of laboratory quality assurance and quality control |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Develop plans and provide advice on infection management for specialist patient groups considering infection control, guidelines and public health requirements |