Training activity information
Details
Participate in quality management activity
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
- For example, change management, risk assessment, incident investigation, audit- internal/external, accreditation standards and validation/verification
- Impact of quality management system on service provision/patient safety
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
- Do you understand the specific quality management activity you will be participating in (e.g., audit, review of documentation, risk assessment)?
- Are you familiar with the laboratory’s quality management system and relevant policies?
- Do you understand the purpose and expected outcomes of the quality management activity?
- What do you anticipate you will learn? What insight into the importance of quality assurance in ensuring accurate and reliable laboratory testing might you gain?
- How may you learn about the processes involved in maintaining accreditation standards?
- Could you develop your awareness of potential sources of error in the laboratory and how quality management activities help to mitigate them?
- Have you spoken with the person responsible for the quality management activity to understand your role and what is expected of you?
- Have you reviewed any documentation or information provided beforehand, such as audit schedules, procedures, or previous quality reports?
- Do you have any questions about quality management principles or the specific activity?
- Have you reflected on how your daily tasks contribute to the overall quality of service provided by the laboratory?
In action
- What specific task are you currently undertaking as part of the quality management activity (e.g., reviewing documents, observing a process, participating in a discussion)? How are you approaching this task?
- What steps are you taking to contribute effectively to the activity? What information are you actively looking for or focusing on during the activity?
- Are you finding it easier to engage with certain aspects of the quality management activity than others? Which aspects require more focused attention?
- Are there any challenges in understanding the purpose or the process of the quality management activity?
- Are you gaining a better understanding of the laboratory’s quality management system as you participate?
- What potential areas for improvement or non-conformities are you identifying (if applicable to the activity)?
- How well is the quality management activity meeting its intended objectives from your perspective?
- If you find the activity unclear or confusing, what questions are you asking to gain clarification?
- Are you adjusting your approach based on the information being presented or the discussions taking place?
- Are you actively contributing your observations and insights to the quality management process?
On action
- What was the specific focus of the quality management activity you participated in (e.g., a document review, a process audit, a discussion on quality issues)?
- What were the key aspects of the quality management system that were highlighted during the activity?
- What were the roles and responsibilities of the different individuals involved in the activity?
- Were there any specific findings or observations that were discussed or identified?
- What was your level of engagement during the activity, and what were your contributions?
- Did you gain a better understanding of the importance of quality management in the H&I laboratory?
- Did you learn about specific quality standards or procedures (e.g., UKAS, ISO15189 or EFI standards) relevant to the laboratory?
- Were there any areas for improvement identified during the activity that you were previously unaware of?
- Did your reflect-in-action (your engagement and questions during the activity) help you to understand the quality management processes better?
- How will you apply the principles of quality management in your daily work practices?
- Are there any specific actions you can take to contribute to maintaining or improving quality within the laboratory?
- What further learning might you need to deepen your understanding of quality management systems?
- How has this experience influenced your awareness of the importance of adherence to protocols and guidelines?
Beyond action
- Have you participated in other quality management activities since this training activity?
- Can you compare your experiences and identify any recurring themes or areas for improvement within the laboratory’s quality system?
- Have you had opportunities to discuss the quality management activity with more senior colleagues or your training officer? Did their perspectives offer any new insights into the importance or impact of such activities?
- Have you reviewed your initial ‘reflect-on-action’ notes from this DTA after gaining more experience with laboratory procedures and quality standards? Has your understanding of the significance of the activity changed?
- Has your participation in this quality management activity increased your awareness and adherence to laboratory protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs)?
- Can you provide specific examples of how your practice has been influenced?
- Has this experience contributed to your understanding of the laboratory’s commitment to quality and accreditation standards?
- How has this training activity informed your approach to tasks that require adherence to quality control measures, such as performing HLA typing (as potentially assessed in a DOPS)?
- Has this activity helped you to develop a greater appreciation for the importance of continuous improvement within a scientific laboratory setting?
- What actions for continued development related to quality management can you identify based on this revisited experience?
- Could you seek opportunities to be more involved in quality audits or document reviews?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 6 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with quality and accreditation standards. |