Training activity information
Details
Perform an audit of sample storage to ensure compliance with the Human Tissue Authority (HTA)
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 and national guidelines and regulations
- HTA standards and clauses
- Implications of findings and development of corrective and preventative actions (if appropriate)
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
- Consider the specific aspects of HTA compliance related to sample storage.
- What are the current HTA guidelines and local policies regarding sample storage? What documentation and records need to be reviewed? Who are the key personnel involved in sample storage that you might need to consult?
- Will you review relevant HTA documentation and local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)?
- Will you discuss the audit process with your training officer or colleagues who have performed similar audits?
- What potential challenges might you encounter (e.g., access to records, time constraints) and how might you address them?
- How do you feel about undertaking an audit and what are your initial thoughts or concerns?
In action
- As you move through the audit, are the steps you are taking effectively checking for compliance with HTA guidelines? Why or why not?
- When you encounter a potential non-compliance, what decisions are you making about how to document or address it?
- Are you finding some aspects of the HTA guidelines easier to verify than others? What makes the difference?
- What challenges are you encountering (e.g., unclear guidelines, access issues)? How are you trying to overcome them?
- What are you learning about sample storage and HTA compliance in real-time? How does this compare to what you already knew?
- If you are unsure about a specific aspect, are you considering who you could ask for support or clarification?
On action
- Summarise the key aspects of the sample storage audit you performed.
- What were the main areas you focused on and what were the overall findings regarding HTA compliance?
- What specific HTA guidelines did you gain a better understanding of through this audit?
- What skills related to audit procedures or documentation did you develop?
- Were there any unexpected areas of non-compliance or surprisingly well-maintained aspects?
- What did you learn from these specific instances?
- Reflecting on your approach during the audit, how did your in-the-moment decisions impact the findings or the efficiency of the process?
- How important is attention to detail and adherence to guidelines in this type of audit for ensuring the safe and ethical use of human tissue in a clinical setting?
- What specific areas related to sample storage and HTA compliance do you now recognise as needing further attention or learning on your part?
- How will this experience influence your future approach to laboratory audits or quality control procedures?
- What are your next steps in terms of reviewing HTA guidelines or discussing your findings with your supervisor?
- Do you need any further resources or guidance on HTA regulations or audit best practices?
Beyond action
- Have you had opportunities to perform similar audits of sample storage since completing this training activity?
- Have you reviewed your initial reflections (reflect-on-action) for this activity in light of subsequent experiences or updated guidelines regarding HTA compliance?
- Consider other training activities or experiences where you have had to adhere to regulatory requirements or quality control procedures. How do these experiences compare?
- Have you discussed your audit findings, and any challenges encountered with peers or colleagues? Has their perspective changed your understanding of HTA compliance in practice?
- How has this training activity influenced your understanding of the legislation regarding the use of human tissue?
- Has performing this audit helped you to critically evaluate laboratory procedures and identify areas for improvement in terms of compliance?
- Can you identify instances where your understanding of HTA regulations has informed your actions or decision-making in the lab?
- Have the skills developed in this activity, such as attention to detail and adherence to protocols, been transferable to other aspects of your work?
- How will your understanding of HTA compliance inform your approach to new procedures or the introduction of new sample types in the future?
- Will this experience help you to identify and address potential risks related to sample storage and governance more effectively?
- How might the experience of conducting an audit contribute to your professional development and potential involvement in quality management or regulatory affairs?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with legislation regarding use of human tissue. |