Training activity information
Details
Perform an assessment of a new material being used in the production of a custom-made medical devices in the laboratory
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 are the key material properties that need to be evaluated for medical device applications?
- What safety and regulatory considerations are relevant?
- What will you learn about the different types of materials used in custom-made medical devices and their properties?
- How will you assess the suitability of the new material based on its intended application?
- What testing or evaluation methods are appropriate for this new material?
- Have you researched the new material and its potential applications in medical devices?
- Have you discussed the assessment criteria and testing procedures with experienced colleagues?
- Have you reviewed relevant standards and regulations for medical device materials?
In action
- As you assess the new material, are you consciously focusing on its relevant properties, such as biocompatibility, strength, flexibility, and durability? What specific tests or evaluations are you conducting?
- Are you comparing this new material to existing materials used in custom-made devices?
- Are you finding the assessment process to be effective in determining the suitability of the new material for its intended application?
- Are you encountering any challenges in performing the necessary tests or interpreting the results?
- If your initial assessment reveals potential limitations or risks associated with the new material, what further investigations or alternative materials are you considering?
- Do you need to consult with material scientists or review relevant literature to better understand the properties and potential applications of this material?
- Are you ensuring that your assessment is thorough and based on scientific principles?
On action
- Describe the new material being assessed and its intended application in custom-made medical devices. What assessment methods or tests did you perform? What were the key properties and characteristics of the new material that you observed during your assessment? How did this material compare to existing materials used in the laboratory?
- What specific skills or knowledge did you develop or improve in assessing new biomedical materials for medical device production? What did you learn about the critical material properties and biocompatibility considerations for custom-made devices? Were there any unexpected findings or challenges during your assessment? What did you learn from these? What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of using this new material?
- What aspects of material science and assessment techniques will you focus on developing further? How can you apply the knowledge gained to future evaluations of new materials? What resources or support might you need to further develop in this area, such as knowledge of material testing standards?
Beyond action
- Have you revisited experiences of evaluating new materials for medical device production? How has your understanding of material properties, biocompatibility, and testing procedures evolved?
- How have these experiences impacted upon your current practice in material selection and ensuring the safety and efficacy of custom-made devices? Are you more critical in your assessment of new materials?
- How might these experiences contribute towards your future practice in research and development of new prosthetic materials or contributing to material safety standards? What did you learn about material testing and regulatory requirements?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Deliver quality patient centred care with the best interests of patients in all elements of practice. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with local and national health and safety policies, regulatory requirements and overall service governance. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Select appropriate biomedical materials and components/instrumentation used in the treatment of patients and the manufacture of custom-made medical devices. |
| # 10 |
Outcome
Apply the principals of a quality management system to their professional practice. |
| # 11 |
Outcome
Support innovation and development and participate in research, audits and service evaluations. |