Module information
Module details
- Title
- Introduction to Diagnostic Cytopathology
- Type
- Rotation
- Module code
- S-H-R2
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 1
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will introduce trainees to the clinical, scientific and technical aspects of diagnostic cytopathology. Trainees will follow the receipt, determination of adequacy and preparation of patient samples with the diagnostic cytopathology multidisciplinary team.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend a multidisciplinary team meeting where the report from a case you have seen prepared is being discussed and reflect on the meeting |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Shadow a cytopathology colleague in the preparation of a patient sample and reflect on their role |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Follow a patient sample from specimen receipt to authorisation of the final diagnostic cytopathology report and reflect on the journey |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,3,4,6 |
Training activities
Explore an innovation in cytopathology and reflect on the impact of the innovation |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Review the effect of professional and regulatory guidance within diagnostic cytopathology and reflect on how this guides practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Shadow a cytopathology colleague at a diagnostic cytopathology clinic and reflect on their role |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe a cytopathology colleague performing an assessment of sample adequacy and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe the preparation, basic staining and coverslipping of a sample and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe the preparation of a cell block and application of a special stain or immunohistochemical marker and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Follow the reporting pathway for a patient who has had a combined diagnostic assessment using cytopathology and histopathology techniques and reflect on the pathway |
Type OTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 1 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 1 DOPS or OCE
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Apply an appropriate infection control procedure for dealing with a cytology sample.
- Perform a basic cytopathology stain by hand.
- Coverslip a cytology preparation on a slide by hand.
- Prepare a cytology sample and review with a supervisor to assess the quality and adequacy for diagnosis.
- Prepare a cell block.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Present the clinical history of a cytology sample, explaining the reasons for taking the sample and the clinical questions being asked.
- Attend a diagnostic cytology clinic and, under supervision, prepare and stain a patient sample.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the contribution of diagnostic cytopathology to patient care. |
| 2 | Identify the roles and relationships of the multidisciplinary team in diagnostic cytopathology. |
| 3 | Describe the working practices in diagnostic cytopathology. |
| 4 | Examine the impact of innovation in diagnostic cytopathology. |
| 5 | Review the effect of legislation in diagnostic cytopathology. |
| 6 | Compare and contrast the practice of diagnostic cytopathology with other specialties. |
Clinical experiences
Activities
There is no clinical experiential learning associated with this module.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Discuss the normal cellular morphology of non-gynaecological tissues relevant to cytopathology and the associated pathobiological processes.
- Critically analyse the role of endobronchial ultrasound/endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspirate in sample collection and assessment.
- Evaluate the requirements for non-gynaecological cytology and the collection, processing, interpretation and reporting of these specimens.
Indicative content
- The requirements for non-gynaecological cytopathology and understanding of the tissues and samples frequently assessed within the laboratory.
- The role of fine needle aspiration cytology and non-gynaecological cytology preparation techniques, e.g. synovial fluids, samples from respiratory tract, urinary tract, serous cavities.
- Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspirate collection, assessment and preparation, endobronchial ultrasound fine needle aspirate collection, assessment and preparation, and head and neck fine needle aspirate collection, assessment and preparation.
- Testing and staining techniques within the cytology laboratory, including the assessment of sample adequacy.
- Purpose of cell blocks and how to prepare and analyse them.
- Overview of the UK cervical screening programme, including aetiology, principles of screening, and the role and impact of human papillomavirus vaccination.