Training activity information
Details
Perform verification and validation of a piece of software or code
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.
Considerations
- Scientific principles
- Project life cycle
- The use of the software application in patient care or service delivery
- Requirements for a verification and validation plan
- Quality assurance
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 piece of software or code will you be verifying and validating? What are the key distinctions between software verification (ensuring it’s built correctly) and validation (ensuring it meets the user needs)?
- What different techniques and methods can be employed for software verification and validation (e.g., testing strategies, code reviews)? How do you document the processes and outcomes of verification and validation activities?
- What are the specified requirements or expected behaviour of the software or code? Do you have access to any existing test cases, validation criteria, or user stories? Are you familiar with any relevant testing frameworks or methodologies?
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the verification and validation process? What testing methods or techniques are you using for each? Why?
- What decisions are you making about the test cases to create, the criteria for success, and how to document the results?
- What aspects of verification and validation feel intuitive, such as basic unit testing, and what requires more conscious effort, such as designing comprehensive test suites or ensuring alignment with requirements?
- How effectively are your actions identifying defects and confirming that the software meets its specifications and user needs?
- What challenges are you facing in designing effective tests, executing them, or interpreting the results?
- What can you learn from this process as it unfolds about the principles and practices of software verification and validation?
- How does this activity connect to your understanding of software quality assurance and testing methodologies?
- Are there alternative testing methods or tools you could be considering?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment if you are encountering difficulties in the verification or validation process?
- Are you ensuring that both the code and the functionality are being adequately assessed?
On action
- Briefly describe the verification and validation methods you used and summarise the key outcomes.
- What new knowledge or skills did you gain in software verification and validation? Did you encounter any unexpected issues or successes in the process? How important are verification and validation in ensuring the quality of clinical software? How did your approach to verification and validation evolve during the activity?
- What aspects of software verification and validation do you need to improve? How will you apply this learning to future software development projects? What are your next steps to enhance your skills in this area, and what support or resources might be beneficial?
Beyond action
- Have you been involved in other verification and validation activities since this DTA? Did you use different testing methods? Have you discussed testing strategies with colleagues? How does this compare to the information on verification and validation in the academic content?
- How has this activity enhanced your understanding of the importance of quality assurance in software development? Has it prepared you for deploying or debugging software?
- What transferable skills, such as attention to detail and systematic thinking, did you develop? What further actions can you take to improve your skills in software verification and validation, perhaps by learning about different testing frameworks and methodologies?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 8 |
Outcome
Verify, validate and document software. |
| # 9 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with legislation, ethics and best practice. |
| # 10 |
Outcome
Demonstrate effective communication skills with stakeholders and the multidisciplinary team. |