Training activity information
Details
Review the multiple birth rate and multiple births minimisation strategy for the clinic, and make recommendations for necessary changes
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
- Reasons for recommending SET or DET
- Cases for the transfer of three embryos
- HFEA and professional body regulations and guidance
- Factors influencing changes to multiple births minimisation strategy
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 evaluate the effectiveness of the clinic’s existing multiple births minimisation strategy? What skills will you develop in analysing data and formulating evidence-based recommendations for change? How does this activity align with the principles of safe practice and adherence to relevant guidelines?
- What is the clinic’s current multiple birth rate and how does it compare to national benchmarks and guidelines? What are the key components of the clinic’s current multiple births minimisation strategy, such as their policies on the number of embryos transferred? What are the national guidelines and recommendations regarding the number of embryos to transfer and strategies to minimise multiple pregnancies? What are the potential risks and implications of multiple pregnancies for both mothers and offspring?
- How will you improve your ability to interpret and analyse clinical data related to treatment outcome? What factors influence the success and implementation of multiple births minimisation strategies? How will you develop your skills in critically evaluating existing protocols and identifying areas for potential improvement? How will you learn to formulate realistic and evidence-based recommendations for changes to clinical practice?
- Have you discussed the activity with your training officer to understand the data available and the expected scope of your review? Have you reviewed the clinic’s current multiple births minimisation strategy and any relevant data on birth rates? Have you researched national guidelines and best practices for multiple births minimisation? Will you consider potential barriers to implementing changes and think about how to address them?
In action
- Pay attention to the data you are currently analysing (e.g., historical birth rates, number of embryos transferred per cycle). How are you interpreting these figures? What aspects of the clinic’s current strategy are you focusing on evaluating at this moment (e.g., specific policies, patient information)? Why are you prioritising these areas? What potential changes or recommendations are beginning to form in your mind as you review the information?
- Are you finding the necessary data and information readily available and understandable? What patterns or trends are you identifying in the data related to multiple births? Are there any unexpected findings? What are you learning in the moment about the factors that might contribute to the clinic’s multiple birth rate and the effectiveness of the current minimisation strategy? How well does the clinic’s current situation align with national guidelines and best practices?
- Are you having to refine your approach to the data analysis based on what you are observing? Do you need to seek further information or clarification from colleagues regarding specific aspects of the clinic’s strategy or data collection? Are you considering potential challenges or implications of any changes you might recommend?
On action
- What were the key trends or patterns you identified in the clinic’s multiple birth rate data? How comprehensive and accessible was the information regarding the clinic’s current minimisation strategies? What were your initial thoughts and reactions to the clinic’s current situation compared to national guidelines or best practices?
- What factors do you think are most significantly influencing the clinic’s multiple birth rate? Did the clinic’s current strategies appear to be effective in minimising multiple births? What evidence supported your conclusion? Were there any potential areas for improvement that became apparent during your review? What were they? How did your reflection-in-action (your focus during the data analysis) shape the recommendations you started to consider? How does this activity relate to the importance of adhering to regulatory standards and striving to minimise risks like multiple births?
- What further data or information might be helpful to strengthen any recommendations you might make? What challenges or considerations do you anticipate in implementing any potential changes to the clinic’s strategy? What are your next steps in terms of formulating and presenting your recommendations?
Beyond action
- Reflect on your initial analysis of the clinic’s multiple birth rate data and minimisation strategies. Have you had opportunities to see if any changes were implemented following your review or to understand the subsequent trends in the clinic’s outcomes? Compare this experience of audit and recommendation with any subsequent audit activities or quality improvement initiatives you have been involved in. What similarities and differences did you observe? Revisit your reflect-on-action notes, particularly your initial recommendations. How do you now view these recommendations in light of any further knowledge or experience you have gained regarding multiple pregnancy and its prevention? Have you discussed the challenges and considerations involved in minimising multiple births with senior colleagues or the wider multidisciplinary team since this training activity?
- Has this activity enhanced your awareness of the importance of data analysis in identifying areas for improvement in clinical practice? How has this experience contributed to your understanding of the regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding multiple pregnancies in assisted reproduction? Consider how this training activity has influenced your approach to evaluating clinical protocols and guidelines.
- Identify the transferable skills developed, such as critical evaluation, problem-solving, and the ability to formulate recommendations based on evidence, and how these might be applied in future quality improvement projects or policy development. What clear actions for continued development in your understanding of clinical governance, risk management, and the implementation of best practices in fertility treatment have been identified by reflecting on this training activity over time?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 3 |
Outcome
Interpret and report embryology results. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with regulatory and safety standards, including keeping accurate records of the fates of embryos. |