Training activity information
Details
Evaluate the use of other psychophysical tests and how they can be applied in the department and feedback to colleagues
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.
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 do you need to know about various other psychophysical tests (beyond those you routinely perform), their principles, clinical applications, and how you might effectively present this information to colleagues?
- Consider the specific insights you hope to gain from evaluating other psychophysical tests. For example, how do you expect to broaden your understanding of the range of tests available and their potential benefits in your department?
- How do you plan to develop your skills in critically appraising and presenting information to peers?
- Reflect on your current knowledge of psychophysical testing beyond the standard procedures.
- What specific tests or applications are you most interested in investigating?
- How confident do you feel about presenting technical information to colleagues?
- Discuss this training activity with your training officer to understand if there are specific tests or areas of interest they would like you to explore.
- Clarify the expected format and audience for your feedback to colleagues.
- Consider potential challenges in evaluating new tests, such as accessing information or understanding their technical aspects.
- How will you approach researching and understanding these tests?
- How will you prepare to deliver effective feedback to colleagues, anticipating potential questions or differing opinions?
- Think about how you feel about evaluating new procedures and presenting to peers.
- What steps can you take to prepare thoroughly and deliver a well-considered and informative presentation?
In action
- Pay attention to your thought process as you consider different psychophysical tests beyond the routine assessments.
- What specific tests are you evaluating and why are they of interest?
- What decisions are you making about the potential application of these tests within your department, considering the patient population and clinical needs?
- How are you considering the practicalities of implementation?
- How are you formulating your feedback for colleagues regarding the potential benefits and limitations of these tests?
- What key points are you planning to communicate?
- What aspects of evaluating and considering the application of new psychophysical tests feel intuitive based on your understanding of visual function testing? What aspects require more research and critical thinking?
- How effectively are you able to research and understand the principles and clinical utility of these other psychophysical tests?
- What challenges are you facing in evaluating their suitability for your department (e.g., lack of information, cost implications, training requirements)?
- What are you learning about the broader range of psychophysical assessments and their potential role in clinical practice?
- How does this activity connect to the overall aim of the module to expose you to various assessment techniques?
- What support or guidance might you need in the moment if you are unsure about the interpretation of research literature or the practicalities of implementing a new test?
- Are you considering the perspectives and needs of your colleagues when evaluating potential feedback strategies?
On action
- What other psychophysical tests did you research or consider?
- What are the principles and clinical applications of these tests? How are these tests currently utilised (or not) within your department?
- What were your considerations when evaluating the potential use of these tests in your department?
- How did you structure your feedback to your colleagues?
- What information did you include?
- What was the initial reaction or feedback from your colleagues?
- What new knowledge did you gain about different psychophysical tests beyond those routinely used?
- How did you develop your critical evaluation skills in assessing the potential benefits and limitations of new tests?
- What did you learn about the process of introducing new procedures or tests within a department?
- How did you develop your communication skills in providing feedback to colleagues?
- How will you continue to stay informed about new developments in psychophysical testing?
- What strategies will you use to effectively communicate and discuss potential service improvements with colleagues in the future?
- What further resources or information would help you in evaluating and proposing new clinical tests?
- What specific steps will you take to apply your learning from this activity to future service development discussions?
Beyond action
- Reflect on your experience of evaluating other psychophysical tests and considering their application within the department, as well as providing feedback to colleagues.
- Has your understanding of the range and utility of psychophysical tests beyond standard assessments broadened since this activity?
- Compare your initial evaluation of these tests with your current understanding based on further learning or exposure.
- Have your views on their potential application changed over time? Review your reflections from this training activity alongside other reflections on diagnostic testing and service improvement.
- What broader insights into evidence-based practice and interprofessional communication have you gained?
- What future actions might you take to explore the implementation of new tests?
- Have you had further discussions with colleagues about the potential role of these psychophysical tests? Did their feedback or perspectives influence your evaluation?
- Recognise that evaluating and considering the implementation of new techniques is crucial for professional development and service enhancement.
- How has this training activity contributed to your critical appraisal skills and your understanding of how to introduce evidence-based changes in a clinical setting?
- How might this experience support you in future quality improvement initiatives?
- Have you applied your understanding of these other psychophysical tests in subsequent discussions or considerations of departmental practice?
- Have you been able to advocate for or contribute to the adoption of new assessments based on your evaluation? How has this influenced your wider engagement with service development?
- Identify the transferable skills developed through this training activity, such as critical evaluation of scientific literature, understanding of clinical needs and service provision, communication and feedback skills, and the ability to propose and justify changes in practice.
- Define clear actions for the continued development of your skills in evaluating and potentially implementing new diagnostic techniques, building on the experience gained from this training activity.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 5 |
Outcome
Employ effective communication with a range of individuals, including the patient and the multidisciplinary team. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Produce clear, concise and accurate documentation in line with local standards and legislation. |