Back Module: S-RE-S2

Gametes and Fertilisation

Module information

Module details

Title
Gametes and Fertilisation
Type
Specialist
Module code
S-RE-S2
Credits
10
Phase
2
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with knowledge and understanding of the development of male and female gametes and the process of fertilisation. They will gain experience in oocyte collection, sperm preparation and insemination methodologies, and identify normally and abnormally fertilised oocytes. The trainee will also learn how to report and communicate fertilisation assessment results to patients in an appropriate and sensitive manner.

Work-based content

Training activities

# Learning outcome Training activity Type Action
# 1 Learning outcome 1,2 Training activities

Perform and report the results for semen analysis for patients or donor samples, to include assessment of:

  • semen volume
  • liquefaction
  • viscosity
  • concentration
  • motility
  • qualitative morphology
 Type ETA Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 1,2 Training activities

Assess and prepare semen samples for treatment, to include:

  • gradient centrifugation
  • swim-up technique
  • surgically retrieved sperm samples e.g. PESA and microTESE
  • frozen patient samples
  • frozen donor samples
  • retrograde samples
 Type ETA Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 3,7 Training activities

Perform oocyte collection procedures

 Type ETA Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 4,7 Training activities

Perform oocyte denudation and correctly identify the different stages of oocyte maturity

 Type ETA Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 1,2, 8 Training activities

Make recommendations for the method of insemination

 Type ETA Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 5,7 Training activities

Perform insemination by IUI using donor or partner sperm

 Type ETA Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 5,7 Training activities

Perform insemination by IVF

 Type ETA Action View
# 8 Learning outcome 4,6,7,8 Training activities

Perform fertilisation assessment on both IVF and ICSI inseminated oocytes and record the results

 Type ETA Action View
# 9 Learning outcome 6,8 Training activities

Inform patients of their fertilisation assessment results and explain the next steps

 Type ETA Action View
# 10 Learning outcome 2,8 Training activities

Communicate with patients in the event of a failed fertilisation

 Type DTA Action View
# 11 Learning outcome 1,2,8 Training activities

Discuss with a patient a change in treatment from IVF to ICSI

 Type DTA Action View

Assessments

Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions

Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs

Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles

  • Perform an oocyte collection correctly identifying oocytes, cumulus cells, granulosa cells and cysts.
  • Perform IVF insemination of oocytes giving reasons why the sample is suitable for IVF.
  • Perform oocyte denudation correctly identifying the stage of oocyte maturity.
  • Process surgically retrieved sperm samples for treatment and/or cryopreservation.

Observed Clinical Event Titles

  • Following oocyte collection, explain the forthcoming pathway to the patient including discussions about insemination technique and fertilisation.
  • Discuss with the multidisciplinary team, the fertilisation results and implications for the outcome of a  patient’s treatment cycle.
  • Inform a patient of failed fertilisation and discuss potential reasons and implications for a patient’s treatment cycle.

Learning outcomes

# Learning outcome
1

Evaluate the suitability and prepare sperm for treatment.
2

Outline the appropriate treatment pathways for patients based on the clinical parameters.
3

Perform oocyte collection.
4

Assess the maturity of oocytes.
5

Perform IVF insemination.
6

Identify normally and abnormally fertilised oocytes.
7

Practice in accordance with HFEA regulations.
8

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

  1. Attend a multidisciplinary team meeting where the implications of the fertilisation results are discussed.
  2. Attend a surgical sperm retrieval procedure in theatre.
  3. Observe a discussion with a patient discussing a change from IVF to ICSI with a patient.
  4. Observe communication of bad news to patients in the event of low or failed fertilisation.
  5. Attend a breaking bad news training session to prepare for conversations with patients.

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:

  1. Explain the process of gametogenesis and the cellular and molecular basis of fertilisation.
  2. Critically appraise the process of oocyte retrieval techniques and oocyte culture.
  3. Critique techniques for sperm procurement and processing oocytes.
  4. Critically evaluate methods of insemination and identification of normal and abnormally fertilised oocytes.

Indicative content

  • Spermatogeneis and the sperm cell.
  • Oogenesis and the oocyte.
  • Biology of fertilisation.
  • Sperm procurement, preparation and handling.
  • Sperm quality assessment.
  • Advanced methods of sperm quality assessment, molecular andrology.
  • Sperm DNA damage assays.
  • Computer assisted sperm analysis.
  • WHO semen analysis, NEQAS and national quality assessment schemes.
  • Oocyte retrieval techniques and oocyte culture.
  • Insemination techniques.
  • Risks of loss of viability associated with the handling of gametes and relevant control measures.
  • Abnormal fertilisation and reporting outcome.
  • Basic microscopy skills including Köhler illumination, bright field, phase contrast, DIC and fluorescence microscopy.
  • Quality and risk management in the assisted reproductive technology laboratory.
  • Quality control tests in clinical embryology.
  • Interpretation of clinical results and outcomes (key performance indicators).
  • Communicate bad news to a patient.

Module assigned to

Specialties

Specialty code Specialty title Action
Specialty code SLS3-1-22 Specialty title Embryology [2022] Action View
Specialty code SLS3-1-23 Specialty title Embryology [2023] Action View
Specialty code SLS3-1-24 Specialty title Embryology [2024] Action View
Specialty code SLS3-1-25 Specialty title Embryology [2025] Action View
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