Clinical Exercise Testing —
Training activity: 5

Details

Undertake exercise induced asthma assessment 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 are the key steps and physiological parameters involved in an exercise induced asthma assessment? What patient history and considerations are important?
• What knowledge and skills do you need regarding the equipment, protocols, and interpretation of results for EIA assessment?
• What specific skills in performing EIA assessments, interpreting the results, and communicating with patients do you hope to develop?
• What do you already know about asthma, exercise physiology, and the principles of EIA testing?
• Will you observe experienced colleagues performing EIA assessments? What aspects will you focus on during the observation?
• What potential challenges might you face during the assessment (e.g., patient anxiety, technical issues)? How will you prepare to handle these?
• How do you feel about interacting directly with patients for this assessment and providing a report on their condition?

In action

• Pay attention to how you are interacting with the patient, explaining the procedure, and monitoring their symptoms and physiological responses. What decisions are you making about when and how to administer the exercise challenge? How are you adjusting the protocol based on the patient’s presentation during the assessment?
• How are you progressing with the activity? How effective are your actions in eliciting symptoms of exercise-induced asthma while ensuring patient safety? What challenges are you encountering in obtaining accurate physiological measurements or in understanding the patient’s subjective experience? What can you learn about conducting this specific assessment as it unfolds? How does this activity connect to your understanding of respiratory physiology and asthma management?
• How are you adapting to the situation? Are there alternative ways you could be communicating with the patient to ensure their comfort and cooperation? What immediate adjustments might you need to make to the exercise protocol if the patient experiences severe symptoms? What support or guidance might you need from a senior colleague if you are unsure about how to proceed? Are you working within your defined scope of practice for this assessment?

On action

• What were the patient’s symptoms and physiological responses during the exercise challenge? How did the patient react to the procedure? Were there any challenges in performing the assessment (e.g., equipment issues, patient compliance)? What were the key findings of the assessment?
• What did you learn about the practical application of exercise-induced asthma assessment protocols? Did you gain a better understanding of the relationship between exercise and asthma symptoms? What did you learn about communicating with patients during this type of assessment?
• How will you use the findings of the assessment to inform your report? What aspects of the assessment would you approach differently in the future? What further learning or resources would help you to improve your skills in conducting and interpreting exercise-induced asthma assessments? What actions / ‘next steps’ will you take to ensure the report is accurate and informative? What support or resources might you need to further develop your skills in this specific assessment?

Beyond action

• Have you conducted further exercise-induced asthma assessments since this training activity? How did these experiences compare to your initial one?
• Have you had the opportunity to see how the findings of your report were used in the patient’s management plan?
• Consider if your understanding of exercise-induced asthma, its presentation, and the assessment process has evolved through further learning or patient interactions.
• Have you discussed your approach to this assessment with colleagues?
• Has your confidence in performing and interpreting exercise-induced asthma assessments changed since this training activity?
• Has this experience influenced how you communicate with patients about exercise and asthma?
• Do you now have a better understanding of the challenges patients with exercise-induced asthma might face?
• How will you approach future exercise-induced asthma assessments, considering your reflections on this experience?
• What clear actions for continued development in this specific assessment area have been identified?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 1	Outcome Prepare equipment and the environment in order to undertake clinical exercise assessments.
# 2	Outcome Prepare patients to undertake field and formal clinical exercise assessments.
# 4	Outcome Undertake clinical exercise assessments.
# 5	Outcome Identify, critically analyse and report key clinical exercise assessment parameters.
# 6	Outcome Prepare reports answering clinical questions using the results of exercise tests, in conjunction with other physiological parameters and patient history.
# 7	Outcome Employ effective communication skills and compassion with a range of patients enabling patients to understand their treatment pathway.
# 8	Outcome Demonstrate a patient centered approach to practice, considering communication with patients and relatives and the patient experience.