Module information
Module details
- Title
- Andrology as Integrative Patient Care
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-RA-S1
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 2
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will provide the trainee with details of the causes of male andrological dysfunction, including subfertility. The module will consider the differing options, support and management of patients available. Trainees will be able to practice in accordance with the regulations. Trainees will begin to work with the multidisciplinary team and develop their communication skills for effective patient conversations.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2 |
Training activities
Review the case notes and associated test results for males undergoing investigation and draw conclusions for their fertility prognosis |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2,4 |
Training activities
Review the case notes and associated test results for males undergoing investigation for sexual dysfunction. Identify additional testing required and the most appropriate treatment pathway, including males undergoing investigation for:
|
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,4 |
Training activities
Review the case notes and associated test results for males undergoing investigation for male genital tract pathologies. Identify additional testing required and the most appropriate treatment pathway, including males undergoing investigation for:
|
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,4 |
Training activities
Review the case notes and associated test results for males undergoing investigation for endocrine dysfunction. Identify additional testing required and the most appropriate treatment pathway, including:
|
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4 |
Training activities
Deliver semen analysis results to a patient, explain the implications of the results and potential next steps |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4 |
Training activities
Discuss options for further investigation and treatment with a patient who has an initial diagnosis of azoospermia |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 2,3,4 |
Training activities
Take consent from a patient for storage of sperm for fertility preservation including a supportive conversation around options should a suitable sample not be produced |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 2,4 |
Training activities
Review the recruitment pathway for a gamete donor to ensure compliance with HFEA regulations and professional body guidance |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 2,3,4 |
Training activities
Take consent to store a gamete sample from a patient who is considering gender reassignment including a supportive conversation around future options |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 2,3,4 |
Training activities
Discuss with a patient the duration of consent and storage for gametes to include:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Examine HFEA consents for appropriateness and accuracy and draw accurate conclusion on when review is required.
- Identify appropriate additional testing required for a patient with an initial semen analysis result that is not normal.
- Identify the appropriate treatment pathway for a patient and the necessary multidisciplinary links.
Observed Clinical Event Titles
- Provide semen analysis result to a health care professional.
- Explain posthumous use of gametes to a patient.
- Explain an initial azoospermia finding to a patient.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select the appropriate pathway for patients referred to the andrology service, including treatment options based upon clinical presentation. |
| 2 | Practice safely in accordance with the statutory and regulatory framework. |
| 3 | Explain procedures to patients, facilitating understanding to enable informed consent to be provided. |
| 4 | Apply and adapt skills to communicate effectively with patients and the multidisciplinary team. |
Clinical experiences
Clinical experiences help you to develop insight into your practice and a greater understanding of your specialty's impact on patient care. Clinical experiences should be included in your training plan and you may be asked to help organise your experiences. Reflections and observations from your experiences may help you to advance your practice and can be used to develop evidence to demonstrate your awareness and appreciation of your specialty.
Activities
- Attend clinic appointments where male patients have physical examinations.
- Observe urology outpatient appointments where male sexual dysfunction, genital tract pathologies and male cancers are managed.
- Observe male endocrinology clinics where male endocrine dysfunction is diagnosed and managed to appreciate the range of treatment options and monitoring required for patient safety.
- Attend a gender dysphoria clinical service.
- Attend multidisciplinary team meetings where andrological issues are discussed across disciplines to appreciate the input of the multidisciplinary team in patient care.
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:
- Critically evaluate the causes and detailed diagnosis of male infertility, appreciating the psychosocial and societal impact of infertility.
- Critically appraise the non-assisted reproductive technology treatment options and management for andrological dysfunctions, including but not limited to subfertility.
- Describe different testicular stimulation regimens (for hypogonadism), including the endocrine and physiological responses.
- Evaluate a variety of andrological patient treatment pathways, including screening procedures and the required consents.
Indicative content
- Infertility defined.
- Disorders of male reproductive endocrinology.
- Causes and management of male infertility.
- Lifestyle and environmental causes of infertility.
- Testicular dysgenesis syndrome.
- Endocrine deficiencies.
- Genetic and chromosomal disorders.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Psychosexual issues including:
- Disturbances of desire
- Arousal
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculatory and orgasmic dysfunctions, including retrograde ejaculation.
- Male sexual dysfunction including:
- Fisorders of sexual development
- Hypogonadism
- Male ageing and other conditions from puberty to senescence
- Male genital tract pathologies including:
- Infections and their consequences
- Inflammations
- Sexually and non-sexually transmitted
- Cancer and conditions, the treatment of which affect male fertility.
- Overview of the causes of female infertility including:
- Endocrine disorders
- Genetic and chromosomal disorders
- Tubal disorder
- Urology: Surgical management of male infertility and reproductive health.
- Multidisciplinary team/communication.
Infertility and society.
- Patient communication, consultation, consent and management.
- Cultural and religious sensitivities in semen sample production and wider aspects of reproductive science.
- Patient treatment pathway – diagnostic tests and recording results.
- Clinical data interpretation and communication.
- Psychology of infertility.
- Impact of male infertility:
- Financial impacts of male fertility on the individual/couple and society.
- Psychological impacts of male infertility on the individual.
- Coping strategies and how differing individuals may react and potential roles for counselling in this process.
- Breaking and managing bad news.
- Impact of culture, equality and diversity on practice.
- The role of the counsellor in reproductive medicine.
- Regulation:
- HFEA Code of Practice.
- HFEA consent forms.
- HFEA donor information form and pen portrait.
- Registration with the HFEA.
- Family limits.
- Withdrawal of consent.
- Implications and counselling.
- DNA ancestry sites.
- International regulation and laws.