Training activity information
Details
Select the appropriate monitoring methods for patients treated with novel and emerging therapies which may interfere with standard assays
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
- Interferences caused by monoclonal antibodies for the following assays:
- Flow cytometry
- Blood grouping and antibody investigation
- Implications for clinical interpretation
- Identification of alternative testing strategies
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 is the goal of monitoring patients on novel therapies in this context?
- What novel and emerging therapies are currently being used in your department? How might these therapies interfere with standard laboratory assays?
- What alternative or specific monitoring methods are recommended or available for these therapies? What are the limitations of standard assays and the advantages of alternative methods in these situations?
- Will you research the novel and emerging therapies used in your department? Will you review literature or guidelines on appropriate monitoring methods?
- Will you discuss specific cases or scenarios with senior colleagues or your training officer?
- What challenges might arise in selecting the most appropriate method (e.g., limited availability, cost)?
- How do you feel about this task, especially if you have limited prior experience with novel therapies?
In action
- As you research and consider different monitoring methods, what criteria are you using to evaluate their appropriateness?
- When faced with potential interferences, what decisions are you making about which assays to avoid or which alternative methods to use?
- Are you finding it easier to identify interferences for some novel therapies compared to others? What factors contribute to this?
- What challenges are you facing (e.g., limited information on novel therapies, lack of validated alternative assays)? How are you adapting your approach?
- What are you learning about the interaction between novel therapies and standard assays as you progress?
- If you are struggling to identify a suitable method, are you thinking about who could provide guidance on this?
On action
- Summarise the novel and emerging therapies you considered and the different monitoring methods you evaluated.
- What were the key potential interferences you identified?
- What did you learn about the specific mechanisms of these novel therapies and how they can affect standard laboratory assays?
- What resources or information were most helpful in making your selection?
- Were there any unexpected challenges in finding suitable monitoring methods?
- What alternative approaches did you consider and why did you choose a particular one?
- Think about your research process and decision-making during the activity. How did your immediate considerations about potential interferences guide your choices?
- How crucial is it to be aware of potential assay interferences when monitoring patients receiving novel therapies for ensuring accurate and reliable results that inform treatment decisions?
- What specific novel and emerging therapies or assay interference mechanisms do you want to learn more about?
- How will this experience inform your approach to researching and selecting laboratory tests in situations involving potential interferences?
- What are your next steps in terms of discussing your findings or seeking further information on this topic?
- Do you need any resources or support in understanding the limitations of standard assays or identifying alternative monitoring strategies?
Beyond action
- Have you encountered other novel or emerging therapies since this training activity that required careful consideration of monitoring methods?
- Have you reviewed your initial reflections (reflect-on-action) for this activity in light of new information or advancements in these therapies?
- Consider other training activities or experiences where you have had to problem-solve due to interferences in laboratory assays. How did your approach compare?
- Have you discussed the selection of monitoring methods for novel therapies with peers or senior colleagues? Have these discussions broadened your understanding?
- Has this training activity improved your ability to research and critically evaluate the potential impact of novel therapies on standard laboratory assays?
- Do you now have a better understanding of the importance of communicating potential interferences to clinical teams?
- Can you identify instances where your understanding of these interferences has informed your interpretation of patient results or the selection of alternative testing strategies?
- Have the critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed in this activity been transferable to other diagnostic challenges?
- How will your experience in selecting appropriate monitoring methods for novel therapies prepare you for the rapidly evolving landscape of medical treatments?
- Will your ability to anticipate and address potential assay interferences be a valuable asset in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing?
- How might this experience contribute to your professional development and potential involvement in the validation or implementation of new assays for novel therapies?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Apply laboratory techniques to support the use of stem cells in the treatment of haematological conditions. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Appraise the application of novel and evolving therapies in the treatment of haematological conditions. |