Training activity information
Details
Undertake bronchial challenge tests with patients and provide a report of the findings
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 is the purpose of performing bronchial challenge tests? What information does it provide?
- What are the different types of bronchial challenge tests? Which type(s) will you be undertaking?
- What equipment and medications are required for bronchial challenge testing? What safety procedures are in place?
- What information do you need (e.g., patient referral, local protocol, reporting templates, understanding of contraindications) before starting this activity?
- What do you hope to learn about the practical aspects of undertaking bronchial challenge tests?
- How will this activity improve your skills in patient interaction and communication during a physiological test?
- How will you develop your ability to observe and document patient responses during the test?
- What do you expect to learn about interpreting the results of a bronchial challenge test and relating them to the clinical question?
- What is your current knowledge of bronchial challenge testing procedures and interpretation?
- Will you review the local protocol for bronchial challenge testing?
- Will you discuss the procedure with experienced colleagues who perform these tests?
- Will you observe a bronchial challenge test being performed, if possible?
- Will you familiarise yourself with the equipment, medications, and emergency procedures?
- Will you review the guidelines for reporting the findings of a bronchial challenge test?
In action
- How are you preparing the patient and the equipment for the test? Are you following the protocol step-by-step?
- How are you administering the challenge agent and monitoring the patient’s response?
- What measurements are you taking and how are you recording them?
- Do the procedural steps feel intuitive, or are you consciously following instructions and protocols? What aspects require more conscious effort?
- Are you able to perform the technical aspects of the test accurately (e.g., spirometry measurements, administering the challenge agent)? What challenges are you facing?
- Are you observing the patient for any adverse reactions or changes in their condition?
- What are you learning about the patient’s response to the challenge as the test unfolds?
- How does this activity connect to your understanding of airway physiology and the diagnosis of respiratory conditions?
- If the patient has an unexpected reaction, how are you responding according to the emergency protocols?
- Are you adjusting your communication with the patient based on their comfort levels and responses?
- If there are technical difficulties with the equipment, how are you troubleshooting or seeking assistance?
- Are you ensuring that you are performing the test within your scope of practice and adhering to safety guidelines?
On action
- What were the key steps involved in performing the bronchial challenge test, including patient preparation, administration of the challenge agent, and monitoring? How did the patient(s) respond to the challenge? What changes in their respiratory parameters did you observe? What were the key findings you included in your report, such as the provocative concentration (PC20) or the percentage fall in FEV1?
- What did you learn about the practical aspects of performing bronchial challenge tests, including potential challenges and safety considerations? How do different individuals respond to bronchial challenge testing? What factors might influence their response? What is the significance of the different parameters measured during a bronchial challenge test in diagnosing airway hyperresponsiveness? What skills did you develop or improve in performing respiratory function tests, patient interaction, and interpreting physiological responses? How does bronchial challenge testing contribute to the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions like asthma?
- How will you approach conducting bronchial challenge tests and reporting the findings in the future? What specific aspects of the procedure or interpretation might you need further clarification or training on? How will you ensure your reports are accurate, comprehensive, and contribute to effective patient management?
Beyond action
- Have you reflected on the practical aspects of performing the bronchial challenge tests and the patients’ responses? Have you participated in or observed further bronchial challenge tests since?
- Have you discussed the challenges and nuances of performing and interpreting these tests with experienced colleagues? Did this offer new insights into patient management?
- Considering your reflections on other patient-facing training activities, what have you learned about effective communication and patient safety during diagnostic procedures?
- Has this activity enhanced your understanding of the practical considerations and potential challenges involved in conducting physiological tests directly with patients?
- Are you now more attuned to patient comfort and safety during respiratory assessments?
- Has this experience improved your ability to integrate clinical observations with physiological data when interpreting test results?
- What transferable skills, such as patient interaction, technical proficiency, and the ability to respond to unexpected events, did you develop that will be valuable in performing a range of diagnostic procedures?
- How will you continue to refine your technical skills and ensure patient-centred care when undertaking respiratory function tests?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Prepare equipment and the environment in order to undertake advanced respiratory diagnostic investigations. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Prepare patients to undergo advanced respiratory diagnostic investigations. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Perform a range of advanced diagnostic investigations safely, including respiratory muscle function testing, bronchial challenge testing and polysomnographic sleep study. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Generate reports and answer clinical questions using the results of investigations, other physiological parameters and patient history. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Employ effective communication skills and compassion with a range of patients enabling patients to understand their treatment pathway. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Demonstrate a patient centered approach to practice, considering communication with patients and relatives and the patient experience. |