Training activity information
Details
Investigate an outbreak or case of suspected cross-transmission in an institutional setting and formulate a management plan
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 aspects of outbreak investigation and management are you hoping to understand better?
- What knowledge do you already have regarding cross-transmission, outbreak investigation protocols, and the development of management plans? What additional information or resources might you need to review before engaging in this activity?
- What steps will you take to prepare for this investigation (e.g., reviewing relevant policies, discussing with your training officer)? What potential challenges do you foresee (e.g., data collection, communication with different stakeholders), and how might you approach them? How do you feel about participating in an outbreak investigation?
In action
- What are you doing? What specific steps are you currently taking in the investigation (e.g., gathering information, interviewing individuals)?
- Why are you prioritising these steps?
- What immediate decisions are you making (e.g., who to contact, what data to collect)?
- Which aspects of the investigation feel natural, and where are you having to think more deliberately?
- How are you progressing with the activity?
- Is the investigation unfolding as expected?
- What challenges are you encountering (e.g., incomplete information, conflicting accounts)?
- What insights are you gaining about cross-transmission or outbreak dynamics as you proceed?
- How is this investigation relating to your previous understanding of infection control?
- How are you adapting to the situation?
- Are you considering different lines of inquiry based on the information you’re receiving?
- Do you need to seek advice or support from colleagues or guidelines?
- Are you ensuring your actions remain within your professional boundaries during the investigation?
On action
- Summarise the key aspects of the investigation process you were involved in. What were the key pieces of information gathered during the investigation?
- Describe the process of formulating the management plan. Who was involved? What were the key considerations?
- What skills or knowledge related to outbreak investigation or cross-transmission did you develop or improve?
- Were there any unexpected findings or challenges during the investigation? What did you learn from these?
- How did any reflection you did during the investigation (reflect-in-action) influence the steps you took or the management plan you formulated?
- How does the experience of investigating a suspected cross-transmission and formulating a management plan relate to the requirements of post-programme practice in clinical microbiology?
- What specific areas for your continued professional development in outbreak investigation or management were highlighted by this activity?
- How can you apply the knowledge and skills gained from this activity to other areas of your routine practice?
- What are the specific actions or ‘next steps’ you will take to further understand or improve your skills in this area?
- What support or resources might you need to further develop your abilities in outbreak investigation and management?
Beyond action
- Consider evaluating and re-evaluating your initial experience of investigating an outbreak or suspected cross-transmission. What were your initial thoughts and actions? Compare this experience with other training activities or experiences you have undertaken.
- What behaviours and practices have you since incorporated into your approach to investigations and management plans as a result of this or other experiences?
- Revisit your reflections from this DTA. What learning and actions will you now take based on your cumulative experiences?
- Have you discussed this type of scenario with peers or colleagues? Has their perspective changed your understanding or approach since the original activity?
- Recognise that this DTA is not an isolated event but contributes to your overall training. How has this experience, and subsequent learning, supported your development of skills applicable to other training activities (e.g., problem-solving, critical thinking, report writing)?
- How have you applied the knowledge gained from this experience in subsequent activities or routine practice?
- How have your skills in investigation and management plan formulation developed since this DTA?
- How has experience since influenced your wider practice in infection prevention and control?
- Identify the transferable skills you have developed through this activity (e.g., data analysis, risk assessment, communication with multidisciplinary teams).
- Identify clear actions for continued development of the skills introduced through this investigation and management plan formulation activity.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Investigate outbreaks and public health incidents in a range of settings |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Practice in partnership with health protection and field services teams in the routine management of infectious diseases and surveillance of notifiable pathogens and diseases and in response to outbreaks and incidents |