Data and Security —
Training activity: 9

Details

Construct complex SQL queries against an information system in a clinical environment

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.

Considerations

• Databases in use in a clinical environment
• Modification/addition of data

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

• Identify what is expected of you in relation to constructing complex SQL queries in a clinical environment.
• Discuss with your training officer to gain clarity of what is expected of you regarding the complexity, structure, and purpose of the SQL queries.
• Think about what you already know about writing SQL queries, particularly complex ones, and working with clinical information systems. This might draw upon academic content related to advanced SQL programming or query optimisation.
• Consider possible challenges you might face during the activity, such as understanding the database schema, handling data types, dealing with performance issues, or accessing the system. Think about how you might handle them.
• Recognise the scope of your own practice for this activity. i.e., know when you will need to seek advice or help (e.g., for permissions, understanding specific clinical data structures, or very complex query logic) and from whom (e.g., database administrator, training officer).
• Consider the specific skills you want to develop, drawing upon previous experiences of constructing queries or working with databases. This might include developing more efficient query structures, mastering specific SQL functions, or improving your ability to extract relevant information from a clinical system.
• Identify the specific insights you hope to gain from engaging with the activity. For example, understanding how clinical data is structured in a real-world system, the challenges of querying large datasets, or the importance of query optimisation.
• Consult actions identified following previous experience of the activity. Are there specific areas you needed to improve on previously, such as syntax, joins, or error handling?
• Identify important information you need to consider before embarking on the activity. This could include the specific clinical question the query needs to answer, the target information system, required data access permissions, and any organisational policies on database access or query performance.

In action

• While constructing or executing the complex SQL query in the clinical environment, does anything feel surprising or different from what you anticipate happen? For example, does an unexpected error message appear, does the query return zero results when you expect some, does the query run much slower than anticipated, or do you encounter difficulty accessing the specific data elements you need?
• Consider how this experience compares with previous experiences you have had writing or running SQL queries, especially complex ones, or working within a clinical information system.
• Identify how this impacts upon your actions. For instance, do you immediately try to troubleshoot the error? Do you pause and review your query syntax or the database schema documentation? Do you need to seek help from a colleague or supervisor in the moment?
• Do you adapt or change your approach to constructing or executing the query based on the unexpected event?
• Does it affect your ability to undertake the activity independently at that point in time?
• Consider how you feel in that moment. For example, do you find it difficult to adapt to the unexpected issue? Does it affect your confidence in your SQL skills or your understanding of the system? Do you feel positive that you can reach a successful conclusion by resolving the issue?
• As you react in the moment, do you ensure you work within your scope of practice? For example, are you operating within your authorised access levels for the database?
• Identify what you learn as a result of the unexpected development. For example, do you learn a specific troubleshooting technique for a certain error, a nuance about data structures in the clinical system, or a more efficient way to write a part of the query?

On action

• Begin by summarising the key points of constructing and executing the complex SQL query in the clinical environment.
• Consider specific events, actions, or interactions which felt important during the activity, including your own feelings.
• Include any ‘reflect-in-action’ moments, where you adapted to the situation as it unfolded. For example, did you need to modify the query syntax on the fly, or troubleshoot an error message immediately?
• What strengths did you demonstrate while constructing or running the complex query? What skills and/or knowledge gaps were evident regarding complex SQL, the specific clinical system, or working in that environment?
• Compare this experience against previous engagement with similar activities. Were any previously identified actions for development in complex SQL querying or system interaction achieved? Has your practice in this area improved?
• Identify any challenges you experienced (e.g., unexpected data issues, system performance problems, difficulty accessing necessary information) and how you reacted to these. Did this affect your ability to deal with the situation? Were you able to overcome the challenges?
• Identify anything significant about the activity. Did you need to seek advice or clarification from a colleague or supervisor regarding the query or the system? Or did you need to escalate anything to ensure that you were working within your scope of practice when interacting with the clinical system and data?
• Acknowledge any changes in your own feelings now that you are looking back on the experience. For instance, do you feel more confident in your ability to construct complex SQL queries against clinical systems after completing this TA?
• Identify the actions / ‘next steps’ you will now take to support the assimilation of what you have learnt. For example, what will you do differently next time you construct a complex SQL query? Has anything changed in terms of what you would do if you were faced with a similar unexpected issue? Do you need to practise any aspect of complex SQL querying or working with clinical information systems further?
• Include insights from any feedback you have received on your query, or the report generated.

Beyond action

• Have you reviewed your reflections from previous times you undertook this training activity, or similar activities involving complex SQL or interacting with clinical systems? What actions did you identify for improvement then, and have you completed them? Are you ready to demonstrate new learning from those experiences?
• Consider this experience alongside other training activities or academic learning related to databases, SQL, or clinical systems. How does this specific instance of constructing a complex query compare to others?
• Have you discussed this experience or complex SQL querying in general with peers, near peers, or colleagues? Has their perspective or shared experiences changed your view of the situation or your approach?
• How has the learning from constructing complex SQL queries influenced your approach to other tasks requiring precise data extraction or system interaction?
• Think about how this experience contributes to your preparation for observed assessments, such as preparing and executing a SQL query.
• How has your practice in developing and executing SQL queries evolved over time, considering this and previous experiences? Are you more confident in recognising when a query is becoming too complex and you need to seek advice or confirm it is within your scope of practice?
• Have you applied the knowledge or skills gained from this training activity in other situations since completing the activity?
• What transferable skills have you developed or enhanced through this activity, such as problem-solving, logical thinking, attention to detail, or understanding clinical data structures?
• How does the ability to construct complex SQL queries against clinical systems contribute to your overall ability as a Healthcare Scientist in Computing?
• Based on revisiting this experience and reflecting on your current practice, what clear actions for continued development in complex SQL or clinical system interaction can you identify?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 9	Outcome Prepare reports against information systems through the development and execution of complex and multi-staged SQL queries.