Training activity information
Details
Plan and review an update or upgrade for a clinical system
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
- Review current system use – users, pathway, connectivity
- Risk assessment
- Impact on patient pathway – change vs no change
- Business continuity
- Review release notes
- Effective communication
- Project timetable
- Scope of practice
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
- How does this relate to day-to-day management, data management, troubleshooting, system changes, and communication?
- What knowledge of change management processes, system dependencies, testing procedures, and stakeholder communication is needed?
- What do you anticipate learning about the importance of planning in system maintenance, potential risks and mitigation strategies, and involving relevant stakeholders?
- How will you prepare for this planning and review? Will you research best practices for system upgrades or consult with experienced colleagues? What potential challenges might you foresee in planning or reviewing an upgrade? How do you feel about being involved in system maintenance and upgrades?
In action
- What aspects of the system update or upgrade are you focusing on (e.g., technical requirements, testing strategy, rollback plan, communication plan)?
- What factors are you considering during the review of the plan?
- Are you involving relevant stakeholders in the planning process?
- Are you identifying any potential risks or challenges associated with the update or upgrade?
- Are the planned steps logical and comprehensive?
- Are you gathering feedback from stakeholders on the proposed plan?
- How does this planning process relate to your understanding of system management and change control?
- Are you needing to revise the plan based on your review or feedback received?
- Are you considering alternative upgrade strategies or timelines?
- Are you prioritising critical aspects of the plan to ensure a successful implementation?
On action
- What were the key aspects of the clinical system update or upgrade being planned?
- What factors did you consider during the planning and review process (e.g., impact, dependencies, downtime)?
- What different approaches or strategies did you evaluate for the update or upgrade?
- What skills or knowledge did you develop or improve in planning and reviewing system updates or upgrades?
- What did you learn about the importance of thorough planning and risk assessment in managing system changes?
- Were there any unexpected complexities or considerations that arose during the planning or review?
- What did you learn from these? How did you contribute to ensuring the plan was robust and considered potential impacts?
- What areas for continued development in system update and upgrade management have been identified?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to future system change management processes?
- What ‘next steps’ will you take to enhance your skills in planning and reviewing IT changes?
Beyond action
- Think about how this DTA has enhanced your understanding of change management processes in a clinical IT environment.
- Have you been involved in planning or reviewing system updates or upgrades since this activity? How did your prior experience influence your approach?
- Consider the importance of stakeholder communication and risk assessment in system changes, and how your understanding has evolved.
- How has this experience contributed to your understanding of maintaining system stability and minimising disruption to clinical services?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 3 |
Outcome
Undertake day-to-day management for clinical computing systems. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Review and manage data storage, backup and archiving for clinical computer systems. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Undertake troubleshooting and problem solving for clinical computing systems and connectivity. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Analyse and undertake system changes. |
| # 9 |
Outcome
Demonstrate effective communication with stakeholders and the multidisciplinary team. |