Training activity information
Details
Perform and interpret the appropriate techniques for the investigation of:
- Haemostatic and platelet disorders
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
- Local SOPs
- Guidelines and standards, including EQA and IQC
- Maintenance and basic troubleshooting
- Reference intervals
- Limitations of the methods
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 are the key laboratory tests used to investigate haemostatic and platelet disorders (e.g., PT, APTT, platelet count, platelet function assays)?
- How do different pre-analytical and analytical factors impact the results of these investigations, and what precautions should be taken?
- What are the expected results in common haemostatic and platelet disorders, and how will you approach the interpretation of complex or unexpected findings?
- Consider the specific insights you hope to gain, such as understanding the diagnostic algorithms for different haemostatic and platelet disorders.
- Reflect on your current understanding of haemostasis and platelet physiology and pathology, and how this training activity will deepen that knowledge.
- Consult with your training officer to clarify the scope of this training activity, including which specific techniques you will be performing and interpreting.
- Review the principles and procedures for the relevant coagulation and platelet function tests.
- Think about potential challenges, such as interpreting discordant results or understanding the pre-analytical variables that can affect these assays, and consider strategies to address them (e.g., reviewing guidelines, discussing with senior colleagues).
- Consider your comfort level with these types of investigations and identify any areas where you feel you need to focus your preparation.
In action
- As you select and perform specific coagulation assays or platelet function tests, why did you choose these particular tests? What procedural steps are you currently undertaking, and are you making any real-time adjustments (e.g., due to sample quality or instrument readings)?
- How well do you believe the tests are running and providing reliable data?
- What technical difficulties are you experiencing? What are you learning about the practical challenges of investigating haemostatic and platelet disorders?
- Are there other tests you might consider performing based on initial results? Do you need to seek advice on troubleshooting or further testing?
- Are you adhering to the laboratory protocols for these investigations?
- During interpretation of the results, what parameters are you prioritising?
- What diagnostic conclusions are you beginning to form?
- Which interpretation elements are straightforward, and which require more thought or reference to guidelines?
- How confident are you in your initial interpretation based on the data? What discrepancies or unexpected findings are you observing?
- How do these results fit with what you know about the pathophysiology of these conditions? Are there alternative interpretations of the results?
- Should you discuss these findings with a senior colleague? Are you interpreting the results according to established clinical and laboratory guidelines?
On action
- Identify the specific techniques you performed and interpreted for investigating haemostatic and platelet disorders.
- What were the key steps for each?
- What were the expected results for each technique in a normal sample?
- What were the key features you observed in the samples you analysed?
- Were there any technical difficulties encountered during the performance of these investigations?
- How did you approach the interpretation of the results in the context of potential haemostatic and platelet disorders?
- What new skills or knowledge did you acquire or improve related to the investigation of haemostatic and platelet disorders?
- Did you encounter any unexpected results?
- What did you learn from investigating these discrepancies?
- How did this activity enhance your understanding of the diagnostic pathways for haemostatic and platelet disorders?
- What specific aspects of investigating haemostatic and platelet disorders have you identified as areas for further development?
- How will you apply the knowledge and skills gained from this activity to future investigations of similar disorders?
- What actions will you take to consolidate your learning and further develop your competence in this area?
- What resources or support do you think would be beneficial for your continued development in this field?
Beyond action
- Evaluate your initial experiences and reflections on performing and interpreting techniques for investigating haemostatic and platelet disorders. Have your understanding of different assays (e.g., platelet function tests, coagulation factor assays) and their clinical significance evolved through subsequent training or learning?
- Compare your experiences with this training activity to those from other training activities focusing on coagulation or thrombotic disorders. What common principles or differences in approach have you observed?
- Review past reflections on this training activity in the context of your overall progress in the module. What initial learning points seem particularly relevant now, and have any new insights emerged with time?
- Understand that this training activity contributes to your broader competence in investigating bleeding disorders. How has the knowledge gained from this activity influenced your approach to interpreting current haemostasis or platelet results?
- Can you identify specific instances where your learning from this training activity has helped you to contribute to a differential diagnosis or suggest further appropriate tests in current practice?
- What transferable skills, such as problem-solving in complex diagnostic pathways or understanding the limitations of specific tests, did you develop through this training activity? How will these skills be applicable in your future career as a Clinical Scientist?
- Based on your reflection, what specific areas related to the investigation of haemostatic and platelet disorders require further development for your future practice?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Select techniques for the investigation of clinical presentations in haematology, haemostasis and transfusion science and medicine. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Perform the laboratory techniques required for the investigation of clinical presentations in haematology, haemostasis and transfusion science and medicine. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Interpret the results of the laboratory investigations for cases including red and white cell disorders and haemostatic and platelet disorders, haematological malignancy and transfusion serology. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Describe the limitations of techniques applied in the investigation of clinical presentations in haematology, haemostasis and transfusion science. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Apply the principles of internal quality control and external quality assessment and draw conclusions about assay performance. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills to present the results of investigations and cases clearly to healthcare professional colleagues. |