Training activity information
Details
Arrange to send a sample to a reference lab for testing, interpret the results and determine actions
Type
Entrustable training activity (ETA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee repeatedly, consistently, and effectively over time, in a range of situations. This may include occasions where the trainee has not successfully achieved the outcome of the activity themselves. For example, because it was not appropriate to undertake the task in the circumstances or the trainees recognised their own limitations and sought help or advice to ensure the activity reached an appropriate conclusion.
Reflection at multiple timepoints on the trainee learning journey for this activity.
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 constitutes successfully arranging the sample transfer, accurately interpreting the reference lab report, and formulating an appropriate action plan?
- What level of detail or adherence to protocols is expected when arranging the sample? How will you know your interpretation is correct and your action plan is sound?
- What do you already know about the process of sending samples to reference laboratories, including packaging, forms, and transport requirements? Have you seen reference lab reports before?
- What is your current understanding of the types of specialised testing performed by reference labs?
- Where do you anticipate you might need to seek advice regarding sample logistics, test selection, interpretation, or liaising with relevant teams (e.g., Health Protection, Field Services)?
- How do you feel about taking responsibility for coordinating a sample referral and acting on potentially critical reference lab results?
- What specific practical skills related to sample referral logistics do you hope to develop?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain into the types of testing offered by reference labs, the format of their reports, or how their results integrate into clinical or public health management?
- How do you anticipate this experience will enhance your ability to work in partnership with teams like Health Protection?
- Are there any previous reflections on sending samples or interpreting complex reports that you need to revisit?
- What information do you need to gather about the specific sample type, the required test, the chosen reference laboratory’s procedures, and any relevant reporting requirements or timelines?
- What challenges might you face in arranging the sample transfer (e.g., transport issues), interpreting the results (e.g., complex report format, unexpected findings), or determining the appropriate actions (e.g., conflicting information, need for rapid decision-making), and how might you handle them?
In action
- Do you encounter any unexpected issues while arranging the sample transfer, such as difficulties with packaging, documentation, transport logistics, or courier requirements?
- Does the reference lab report contain unexpected results, use unfamiliar terminology, or arrive in a format that is different from what you anticipate?
- Does determining the appropriate actions based on the results present unexpected challenges, like needing to act urgently, having to liaise with multiple teams (e.g., Health Protection, Field Services), or dealing with ambiguous findings?
- How does this compare with any previous experiences you’ve had involving reference laboratories or acting on external test results?
- How does the unexpected issue impact your actions related to the sample, your interpretation of the report, or your planning for next steps? Do you stop, seek advice, or change your immediate plan?
- Do you need to adapt or change your approach to handling the logistics, understanding the report, or formulating the action plan because of the unexpected event?
- Does this unexpected aspect affect your ability to work independently on that part of the task?
- How do you feel in that specific moment – perhaps stressed, confused, or hesitant? Does it affect your confidence in managing the situation?
- Do you ensure you are working within your scope of practice while addressing the unexpected issue, or does it highlight the need to involve others or escalate?
- What do you learn specifically from navigating that unexpected part of arranging the referral, interpreting the results, or deciding on actions?
On action
- Summarise the key aspects of the experience, including arranging the sample referral, receiving and interpreting the reference lab results, and determining the necessary actions. What were the specific steps you took?
- Describe the interactions you had with the reference lab, health protection, field services, or other teams as part of this process.
- Include any ‘reflect-in-action’ moments where you adapted your approach during the activity, especially if anything unexpected occurred (e.g., logistical issues, unexpected results, challenges liaising with others). How did you respond in those moments?
- What learning can you take from this experience regarding engaging with reference laboratories, interpreting their reports, and translating results into actions? What strengths did you demonstrate?
- What skills or knowledge gaps were evident during this activity? For instance, was understanding the reference method challenging, or was coordinating actions with multiple teams difficult?
- Compare this experience against previous engagement with similar activities, if any. Were any previous identified actions for development related to external referrals or interpreting specialised results achieved? Has your practice in this area improved?
- Identify any challenges you experienced and how you reacted to these. Did arranging logistics prove difficult? Was interpreting the report complex? Did coordinating with other teams present issues? Were you able to overcome the challenges?
- Identify anything significant about the activity. Did you need to seek advice or clarification from the reference lab or other teams? Or did you need to escalate to ensure that you were working within your scope of practice?
- Acknowledge any changes in your own feelings now you are looking back on the experience. How do you feel about your ability to manage this task now?
- Identify the actions / ‘next steps’ you will now take to support the assimilation of what you have learnt, including from any feedback you have received. What will you do differently next time you arrange a sample referral or interpret reference lab results?
- Has anything changed in terms of what you would do if you were faced with a similar situation again?
- Do you need to practise any aspect of the activity further? This could include familiarising yourself with referral procedures, understanding specific reference tests, or practising liaison with different teams.
Beyond action
- Have you thoroughly reviewed and re-evaluated your previous experiences of arranging sample referrals to reference laboratories, interpreting their results, and determining subsequent actions, including specific instances of undertaking this training activity?
- Recall your initial approaches, challenges, and key interactions related to sample logistics, report interpretation, and action planning in those specific instances.
- Have you reviewed the actions you identified in your prior reflections for this activity?
- What specific steps did you plan to take to improve your practice in managing reference referrals, interpreting complex external reports, or liaising with external teams?
- Have these actions been completed, and are you now ready to demonstrate this new learning in practice?
- Compare your current approach and understanding in undertaking this activity with other related activities or clinical experiences where you engaged with external laboratories or other public health teams.
- What observable behaviours and practices regarding sample referral logistics, interpreting specialised reports, or coordinating actions have you incorporated as a direct result of these collective experiences?
- Have you engaged in professional storytelling or discussed specific cases of reference lab referrals or interpreting their results with peers, near peers, or colleagues, potentially including those working at reference labs or in health protection?
- Consider if your view of the referral process, the interpretation of specific reference tests, or the coordination of actions has transformed or deepened due to analysing these experiences with others.
- How has this specific experience, and the subsequent learning gained from revisiting it, supported your development of transferable skills applicable to other training activities, such as managing complex laboratory workflows, interpreting specialised data, or working collaboratively with external stakeholders?
- How has your practice evolved and developed over time in relation to managing reference samples, interpreting their reports, and translating results into actionable plans since your initial experiences or undertaking this training activity? Specifically, how have your skills in understanding the capabilities of reference laboratories, critically appraising their reports, and coordinating responses with other teams improved?
- How have these experiences enhanced your ability to recognise when a reference lab result or subsequent action might be beyond your current scope of practice, and when it is necessary to seek advice or escalate?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 6 |
Outcome
Interpret the results of test carried out at reference laboratories and formulate a plan for actions |
| # 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 |