Training activity information
Details
Recognise own professional boundaries and refer on when needed and use clinical and counselling supervision appropriately
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
- Working within own practice capability
- Personal and professional boundaries
- Limitations to practice and how and when to refer on to other specialities
- The duty to seek professional advice if standards of care are threatened
- Reflective practice, which informs future clinical interactions
- Accessing counselling/clinical supervision to underpin and enhance practice
- Professional standards on supervision
- AGNC code of ethics
- GCRB code of conduct
- Good scientific practice
- HCPC standards of proficiency
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 do you recognise boundaries and know when to use supervision appropriately? How does knowing your boundaries facilitate effective collaboration and appropriate referrals?
- How do you consider professional boundaries and how these might be highlighted in preparation for consultations?
- What insights do you anticipate gaining into the appropriate and effective use of clinical and counselling supervision for different types of challenges or situations?
- How do you think this activity will enhance your understanding of your professional responsibilities and limitations as a trainee?
- Will you review relevant guidelines, protocols, or local policies regarding professional boundaries and referral pathways within your department?
- How do you feel about the prospect of needing to refer a patient or seeking supervision? Are there any potential barriers (e.g., feeling inadequate) you anticipate, and how can you address them proactively?
In action
- What decisions are you making about your level of involvement or the next steps in managing the situation?
- Are you feeling confident in your ability to manage the situation appropriately, or are you experiencing uncertainty or discomfort? How are you addressing this in the moment? Is there anything you are failing to address, or have addressed poorly?
- What challenges are you facing in determining whether a referral or seeking supervision is necessary? What factors are influencing your thinking?
- What are you learning about your own limitations and the boundaries of your professional role as this situation unfolds?
- How does this situation connect with your understanding of multidisciplinary working?
- Are you ensuring that your actions and decisions align with your current level of training and the principles of patient-centred care?
On action
- What did this experience teach you about recognising the limits of your current knowledge and skills?
- Were there any points where you felt unsure about whether to refer or seek supervision?
- What did you learn from this uncertainty? How did your immediate reflections during the situation influence your decision-making process regarding referral or supervision?
- How does this experience relate to the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing genetic and genomic disease?
- What indicators will you be more aware of in the future that might suggest a situation is beyond your professional boundaries?
- How will you apply what you learned about the appropriate use of clinical and counselling supervision in future practice?
- What specific actions will you take to further develop your understanding of professional boundaries and referral pathways?
Beyond action
- Reflect on the specific situation where you considered your professional boundaries or the need for referral or supervision.
- With the benefit of hindsight and further experience, do you still feel you made the right decision? What other factors might you now consider?
- Compare this experience with other instances where you have had to assess your professional boundaries or seek supervision.
- What common themes or differences do you notice in your decision-making process?
- Have discussions with your supervisor or colleagues about professional boundaries and the use of supervision changed your perspective on this?
- How has this experience shaped your awareness of your limitations and when it is appropriate to seek support or refer a patient? Has this influenced your approach to clinical and counselling supervision?
- Are you more proactive in seeking guidance or raising concerns? How has your understanding of multidisciplinary working been informed by this experience and subsequent learning?
- How will the lessons learned from this activity continue to inform your decision-making regarding professional boundaries and the appropriate use of supervision as you progress in your career?
- What clear actions can you identify for the continued development of your ability to recognise your professional boundaries and utilise supervision effectively?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 5 |
Outcome
Use a multidisciplinary approach, including clinical supervision and teamwork to support the diagnosis and management of genetic and genomic disease, referral of patients and appreciate the context of genetic and genomic conditions within wider healthcare management of patients. |