Ophthalmic Imaging —
Training activity: 8

Details

Assist in performing and interpreting a series of angiographic tests on patients

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

• How will you prepare for assisting in and interpreting angiographic tests?
  • What are the different types of angiographic tests used in ophthalmology?
  • What are the indications and contraindications for each test?
• What specific insights do you hope to gain about the technical aspects of performing angiographic tests and the key features to look for during interpretation?
  • Think about your current understanding of angiographic imaging.
  • What aspects of the procedure or interpretation are you most interested in learning more about?
  • How do you anticipate this experience will enhance your ability to integrate angiographic findings with other clinical information for diagnosis?
• Discuss the specific angiographic techniques you will be assisting with and the types of findings you might encounter with your training officer.
  • Consider potential challenges during the procedure or in interpreting the images, such as patient movement or subtle vascular abnormalities.
  • How might you prepare to recognise and address these? Reflect on your previous exposure to angiography.
  • What resources might you review to prepare for this activity?

In action

• Pay attention to your actions as you assist with the angiographic procedure.
  • What specific tasks are you undertaking, and why are they important for the successful acquisition of images?
  • As you observe the images being acquired, what features are you noting in real-time?
  • What initial interpretations are you forming about the flow of dye?
  • What aspects of assisting with the procedure and the initial stages of interpretation feel more familiar, and what requires more focused attention and understanding of the technology and image characteristics?
• How effectively is your assistance contributing to the smooth running of the test and the acquisition of good quality images?
  • What challenges are arising during the procedure or in the initial viewing of the angiograms? How are these being addressed?
  • What are you learning about the practical aspects of performing angiography and the dynamic nature of the images as they are acquired?
  • How does your understanding of angiography build upon your existing knowledge of retinal vasculature and imaging principles?
• Are there any unexpected events occurring during the procedure, and how are you responding to them?
  • Are you communicating effectively with the patient and other members of the team as the procedure progresses?
  • Are you ensuring that your actions and observations are within the guidelines and protocols for angiographic procedures?

On action

• What were the key steps involved in assisting with the angiographic procedure?
  • What patterns of dye flow did you observe in the angiograms during the test?
  • Were there any technical challenges during the performance of the test?
  • What were the initial interpretations of the angiographic findings?
• What did you learn about the practical aspects of performing angiographic tests by assisting in the procedure?
  • How did this experience enhance your understanding of interpreting angiographic images, including the different phases of the test and the significance of observed patterns?
  • Did you encounter any unexpected findings in the angiograms? What did you learn from observing these?
  • How did your reflect-in-action (while assisting and initially interpreting) influence your overall understanding of the angiographic process and results?
  • How does this activity relate to the skills needed for assisting with and interpreting angiography in your future professional role?
• What aspects of assisting with and interpreting angiography do you want to develop further?
  • How will you apply the knowledge gained to future angiographic cases you encounter?
  • What next steps will you take to deepen your understanding, such as reviewing case studies or seeking further opportunities to observe and interpret angiograms?
  • Are there any specific resources or experts you could consult to enhance your skills in this area?

Beyond action

• Have you had the opportunity to reflect on the angiographic tests you assisted with and interpreted previously?
  • Have you since encountered similar angiographic cases where you could compare your understanding and interpretation?
  • Did discussions with colleagues or supervisors about those past cases offer any new perspectives on your interpretations?
  • With increased experience, do you now identify details in those earlier angiograms that you might have overlooked at the time?
• How has assisting in and interpreting angiographic tests influenced your current ability to understand and interpret angiographic images independently?
  • Can you recall specific instances where your learning from this training activity helped you to anticipate potential findings or understand complex vascular patterns in current angiographic cases?
  • In what ways has this training activity improved your communication with colleagues regarding angiographic findings and their clinical significance?
  • How has this experience contributed to your overall understanding of ocular vascular diseases and their imaging characteristics?
• What skills in observing technical aspects of the procedure and correlating them with image interpretation did you gain that will be valuable as angiographic techniques evolve?
  • How has this experience highlighted specific aspects of angiographic interpretation that you aim to develop further in your future practice?
  • Considering the importance of angiography in diagnosing and managing various retinal and choroidal conditions, how has this training activity provided a fundamental understanding for your future work in these areas?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 2	Outcome Perform and interpret a range of ophthalmic imaging modalities.
# 3	Outcome Combine information from electrophysiological and imaging findings to inform a diagnosis.
# 4	Outcome Employ effective communication with a range of individuals including the patient and the multidisciplinary team.
# 6	Outcome Modify and adapt protocols dependent on patients’ needs.
# 7	Outcome Assess and manage risks in the testing environment.