Training activity information
Details
Identify a case with unusual HLA linkage and/or low frequency alleles, investigate appropriately and recommend further testing where required
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
- Haplotype and allele frequencies, ethnicity and other considerations
- Limitations of automated assignments
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 specific knowledge related to HLA linkage and low frequency alleles do you anticipate needing to apply during this activity?
- Consider the specific insights you hope to gain regarding the identification and investigation of unusual HLA linkages and low frequency alleles.
- Think about what you already know about HLA genetics and testing methodologies. What specific gaps in your knowledge or experience are you hoping this training activity will address?
- What do you anticipate learning about the process of recommending further testing and the rationale behind such recommendations?
- Discuss this training activity with your training officer to gain a clear understanding of the types of cases you might encounter and the expected approach to investigation and recommendation.
- Consider possible challenges you might face in identifying unusual HLA patterns or determining the need for further testing. How might you prepare to handle these challenges (e.g., reviewing relevant literature, consulting guidelines)?
- Identify how you feel about embarking on this training activity.
In action
- What specific pieces of information from the case are you currently reviewing? What steps are you taking in your investigation of potential unusual HLA linkage or low-frequency alleles?
- Why are you choosing to analyse the data in this particular way?
- What aspects of this process feel straightforward, and feel more challenging?
- Is your current approach yielding information that helps identify unusual linkages or low-frequency alleles?
- What challenges are you encountering as you try to interpret the HLA data?
- What are you learning about HLA linkage and allele frequencies as you work through this case?
- How does this case compare to your previous understanding of HLA?
- Are you considering alternative ways to analyse the data if your initial approach isn’t clear?
- Do you need to consult any resources or seek advice as you proceed?
- Are you ensuring that your recommendations for further testing are within the appropriate guidelines and your scope of practice?
On action
- What were the key features of the case that suggested unusual HLA linkage or low-frequency alleles?
- What specific HLA data patterns or allele frequencies stood out during your investigation?
- What challenges did you observe during the process of identifying the unusual aspects of the case?
- Were there any specific resources or databases that you found particularly useful or challenging to use?
- What new insights did you gain about HLA linkage and the occurrence of low-frequency alleles?
- Did this case enhance your understanding of appropriate investigation strategies for such cases?
- What did you learn about the decision-making process for recommending further HLA testing?
- How did your reflection-in-action (during the activity) influence how the investigation unfolded?
- What areas for your continued professional development have been highlighted by this activity?
- How will you apply the knowledge gained from this case to future cases involving unusual HLA profiles?
- What specific actions or ‘next steps’ will you take to improve your ability to identify and investigate such cases?
- Do you need to seek any further support or resources to develop your skills in this area?
Beyond action
- Have you reviewed your initial reflections (reflect-on-action) from this training activity since completing it?
- Have you encountered other cases involving unusual HLA linkage or low-frequency alleles in your subsequent training or practice?
- How did this original experience inform your approach to those cases?
- Have your understanding of HLA genetics or the tools used for investigation evolved since this training activity? How does this new knowledge influence your perspective on this past experience?
- Has your ability to identify subtle or unusual HLA patterns improved as a result of this experience? Can you provide examples?
- How has this training activity influenced your approach to recommending further HLA testing in complex cases? Are you more confident or nuanced in your decision-making?
- Have the skills in using specific databases or resources, developed during this training activity, been transferable to other aspects of your work?
- In what ways might the insights gained from investigating this case inform your approach to more complex or novel HLA typing challenges in the future?
- Are there any transferable skills learned (e.g., attention to detail, problem-solving) that will continue to be valuable in your evolving role as a Clinical Scientist?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Apply the appropriate strategy for the investigation of patients being considered for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), interpret and report results of the investigation in the correct clinical context. |