Adult Genomics —
Training activity: 10

Details

Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions of genetic findings in an adult setting

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 do you already know about the role of genetics in adult healthcare and the importance of MDT working?
• What specific aspects of MDT discussions in genomics do you want to learn more about (e.g., how different specialties contribute, how decisions are made, ethical considerations)?
• What actions will you take in preparation for the MDT discussion? Will you review the patient cases to be discussed, relevant guidelines, and your own interpretation of the findings?
• What possible challenges might you anticipate during the discussion (e.g., understanding terminology from other specialties, contributing effectively) and how might you handle them?
• Do you feel prepared to contribute to the discussion?

In action

• How are you currently approaching your participation in the MDT discussion? Are you actively listening, preparing to present information, or formulating questions? Why are you choosing this particular approach?
• What contributions are you making right now to the discussion regarding the genetic findings? Are you explaining the laboratory results, discussing potential clinical implications, or raising relevant points for consideration by other specialties?
• What aspects of the MDT discussion feel intuitive or based on prior experience (e.g., communicating basic genetic concepts), and what requires more conscious effort (e.g., understanding the perspectives and terminology of clinicians from different specialties, contributing to complex ethical or management decisions)?
• How effectively are you communicating the relevant genetic information to the MDT? Is your input being understood and contributing to the discussion?
• What challenges are you encountering in this moment, such as understanding complex clinical scenarios, interpreting the significance of genetic findings in the context of other clinical information, or articulating your points clearly and concisely?
• What can you learn from the discussion as it unfolds? Are you gaining insights into how genetic findings impact clinical management, how different specialties collaborate, or the ethical and social implications of genomic testing in adults?
• Are there alternative communication strategies you could be considering if your initial attempts to contribute are not clear or well-received? Are you adjusting your language or approach to better suit the audience?
• What immediate support or guidance might you need if you are unsure how to interpret clinical information presented by other team members or how to contribute meaningfully to a specific aspect of the discussion? Could you ask for clarification or seek input from your supervisor afterwards?

On action

• What were the main genetic findings that were discussed during the MDT meeting(s) you participated in?
  • How did different members of the MDT (e.g., clinicians, genetic counsellors, other scientists) contribute to the discussion and interpretation of the results?
  • What were the key clinical implications of the genetic findings that were highlighted during the discussion?
• Did you gain a better understanding of how genetic information is integrated into the broader clinical management of adult patients?
  • Did you learn about the perspectives and information needs of other healthcare professionals regarding genetic findings?
  • How effective were you in communicating genetic information to the MDT, and what did you learn about effective interprofessional communication?
• What aspects of your participation in MDT discussions could be further developed?
  • How will you prepare for and contribute to future MDT meetings involving adult genetic findings?
  • What knowledge or skills do you need to strengthen to contribute more effectively to these multidisciplinary discussions?
  • What support or opportunities would help you to further integrate your laboratory expertise with the clinical context discussed in MDTs?

Beyond action

• Reflect on the specific MDT discussions you participated in. What were the key takeaways you noted at the time? Have your initial impressions of these discussions changed over time?
• Consider your current understanding of the roles and perspectives of different healthcare professionals in the management of adult genetic conditions. How does this compare to your understanding at the time of the MDT meetings you observed?
• Have you participated in further MDT meetings since this training activity ? How did those experiences build upon or differ from your earlier observations?
• How has your ability to communicate genetic information effectively within a multidisciplinary team setting developed since this training activity? Can you identify specific examples where your learning from this activity has been applied?
• Are you now more aware of the clinical context and implications of laboratory findings discussed in MDTs? How did this initial exposure contribute to that awareness?
• How has your confidence in contributing to MDT discussions evolved?
• What interprofessional skills did you begin to develop through this training activity that will be crucial for effective collaboration in your future career?
• How has this experience emphasised the importance of a patient-centred approach in the delivery of genomic services?
• What strategies will you continue to use to enhance your participation and learning from future multidisciplinary team meetings?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 4	Outcome Interpret genomic variants, including copy number and structural changes and investigate the clinical significance of variants using bioinformatic tools using best practice guidelines.
# 5	Outcome Interpret and report genomic testing relevant to adult-onset disorders, including appropriate recommendations for patient management.