Module information
Module details
- Title
- Fertility, Assisted Reproduction and HFEA Regulation
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-RE-S1
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 2
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will provide the trainee with details of the causes of male and female infertility, assisted reproduction options and management of patients. 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 and sensitive patient consultations.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Review case notes as part of preparation for treatment to ensure the treatment pathway is appropriate |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,3 |
Training activities
Plan and optimally time a thaw/warming of zygotes, eggs or embryos within a natural and a stimulated cycle |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2 |
Training activities
Review viral screening results prior to storage or treatment to ensure compliance with HFEA regulations |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2 |
Training activities
Review the required consents for a variety of treatment cycles, including those involving donated gametes to ensure compliance with HFEA regulations |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,2,3 |
Training activities
Review the recruitment pathway for a gamete or embryo donor to ensure compliance with HFEA regulations and professional body guidance |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
For each procedure within the laboratory, perform witness checks in accordance with HFEA requirements |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 3 |
Training activities
Explain to patients the laboratory aspects of their treatment |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Training activities
Report an incident following the appropriate guidelines |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Training activities
Critically appraise the use of treatment ‘add ons’ and produce or review an information leaflet for patients |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Submit data to the HFEA |
Type ETA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Examine consents in the patients notes for appropriateness and accuracy for the selected treatment.
- Perform witnessing checks in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Report an incident.
- Review consent and screening in advance of a treatment cycle using donor gametes.
Observed Clinical Event Titles
- Discuss a typical treatment cycle with a patient.
- Discuss the timing of a thaw with the multidisciplinary team.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine a patient’s pathway, including assisted reproduction options and stimulation regimens based on clinical presentation. |
| 2 | Practice in accordance with the statutory and regulatory framework. |
| 3 | 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
- Meet with the HFEA Person Responsible to discuss their role and responsibilities.
- Attend a local clinical governance meeting to gain an understanding of the incident reporting escalation pathway.
- Attend a meeting where concerns regarding the offer of treatment is discussed to appreciate reasons why treatment may not be appropriate.
- Visit a treatment centre where gamete or embryo donors are recruited to appreciate the process and regulation of donor recruitment.
- Shadow a patient’s journey through the centre to appreciate the patient experience of treatment.
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:
- Appraise the causes and diagnosis of male and female infertility including screening procedures and treatment options and management.
- Critically evaluate different ovarian stimulation regimens, including the endocrine and physiological responses.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the required consents for a variety of treatment cycles, including those involving donated gametes to ensure compliance with HFEA regulations.
Indicative content
- Defining infertility.
- Epidemiology of infertility.
- Assessing the infertile couple.
- Causes of female infertility, including endocrine disorders, genetic and chromosomal disorders, tubal and uterine disorders and endometriosis.
- Treatment options for female infertility.
- Assessing ovarian reserve.
- Causes of male infertility, including endocrine deficiencies, obstructions, genetic and chromosomal disorders, autoimmunity and varicocele.
- Treatment options for male infertility, including surgical management.
- Role of environment and lifestyle in infertility.
- Ovulation induction, ovarian stimulation protocols, and risks associated such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
- The patient-centered approach.
- The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act and Code of Practice, reporting incidences and internal reporting procedures and practices.
- Reproductive ethics including cultural and religious viewpoints.
- Infertility clinical research trials.