Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of the Male —
Training activity: 11

Details

Critically appraise the use of an emerging technology, and produce or review an information leaflet for 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.

Considerations

• Communication of complex information to non-experts
• Evidence based practice
• Literature and evidence base
• Other sources of information, including marketing and social media
• Professional standards

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 criteria should you use to critically appraise the emerging technology?
• What information should be included in a patient information leaflet about the technology?
• How will this activity further develop your critical appraisal skills for evaluating new technologies?
• What will you learn about translating complex scientific information into clear and accessible language for patients?
• How will this activity enhance your understanding of patient information needs and the role of information leaflets in healthcare?
• What actions will you take in preparation for the experience?
• Will you research a specific emerging technology in andrology?
• Will you review examples of patient information leaflets for similar technologies or procedures?
• Will you consider the key questions and concerns a patient might have about this technology?

In action

• What criteria are you currently using to critically appraise the emerging technology? What sources of information are you consulting?
• If producing a leaflet, what key information are you including for patients? If reviewing, what aspects of the existing leaflet are you focusing on?
• How are you ensuring the information is accurate, balanced, and accessible to patients?
• What aspects of this appraisal and leaflet development/review process feel more analytical, and where are you focusing on the patient perspective?
• How confident are you in your critical appraisal of the emerging technology?
• If producing a leaflet, how effective do you feel the information will be for patients? If reviewing, what areas for improvement are you identifying?
• What are you learning about the evaluation of new technologies and the creation of patient-facing information?
• How does this activity connect to your understanding of evidence-based practice, patient information needs, and ethical communication?
• Are there any conflicting opinions or evidence regarding the technology that you need to consider?
• Are you ensuring the patient information is presented in a clear, concise, and unbiased manner?
• Are you considering the potential impact of this technology on patients and addressing any potential concerns in the information provided?

On action

• What was the emerging technology you critically appraised?
  • What were the key benefits and limitations of this technology from a patient perspective?
  • What were the key messages you aimed to convey in the information leaflet?
  • How did you ensure the information in the leaflet was accurate, balanced, and easy for patients to understand?
  • If you reviewed an existing leaflet, what were its strengths and weaknesses?
• How effectively were you able to critically evaluate the potential impact of an emerging technology on patients?
  • Did you identify any challenges in translating complex technical information into patient-friendly language?
  • How well were you able to consider the information needs and perspectives of patients when developing or reviewing the leaflet?
  • What did this activity reveal about your skills in critical appraisal and patient communication through written materials?
• How will you further develop your skills in critically appraising new technologies in healthcare?
  • What strategies will you use to produce clear, concise, and patient-centred information leaflets in the future?
  • What resources or guidelines will you consult when creating or reviewing patient information materials?

Beyond action

• Have you re-evaluated your critical appraisal of the emerging technology?
  • Has the technology progressed or has more evidence become available since you completed this training activity?
  • How did your initial appraisal compare to current perspectives? Similarly, have you reflected on the information leaflet you produced or reviewed?
  • Would you make any changes now based on further experience or feedback?
• How has this training activity enhanced your skills in critically appraising new technologies and communicating complex information to patients in an accessible format?
  • Can you identify other instances where you have applied these skills in your practice?
• As new technologies continue to emerge in andrology, your ability to critically evaluate their utility and communicate their relevance to patients will be crucial.
  • How will the skills developed in this training activity support your ongoing engagement with innovation and patient education in your future practice?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 2	Outcome Identify additional tests to aid in diagnosis or implications of observed disease.
# 4	Outcome Practice safely in accordance with quality management and regulatory standards.
# 5	Outcome Appraise and apply advanced tests on the basis of their benefit to investigation and patient outcome.
# 6	Outcome Evaluate new and emerging techniques in andrology practice.
# 8	Outcome Explain procedures and care options to patients, providing support within the scope of practice and identifying options for onward referral.