Introduction to Clinical Bacteriology

Module details

Title

Introduction to Clinical Bacteriology

Type

Rotation

Module code

SLS200

Credits

10

Requirement

Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with the knowledge and understanding of bacteria and their role in health and disease, including the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory. In the work-based module they will be expected to apply this knowledge as they learn to perform basic microbial techniques and gain experience in the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings.

Competencies

#	Learning outcome	Competency	Action
# 1	Learning outcome 1	Competency Interpret request forms and recommend the most appropriate investigation strategy to investigate bacteriological samples.	Action View
# 2	Learning outcome 1,5	Competency Receive, process and store common bacteriological specimens, including blood cultures, wound swabs, urine, faeces, respiratory specimens, genital specimens and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).	Action View
# 3	Learning outcome 2	Competency Use of manual, semi-automated and automated equipment deployed in the bacteriology laboratory.	Action View
# 4	Learning outcome 2	Competency Perform and interpret microscopy of blood culture, urine, faeces and CSF.	Action View
# 5	Learning outcome 2	Competency Select media for and culture blood, wound swabs, urine, faeces, respiratory specimens, genital specimens and CSF.	Action View
# 6	Learning outcome 2	Competency Interpret culture plates and perform identification tests for commonly isolated bacteria from a range of biological specimens.	Action View
# 7	Learning outcome 2	Competency Perform and interpret the results of simple bacterial susceptibility testing.	Action View
# 8	Learning outcome 3	Competency Apply internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA) methods used in bacteriology.	Action View
# 9	Learning outcome 3,4,5	Competency Produce reports using validated results on common bacteriology investigations.	Action View
# 10	Learning outcome 5	Competency Use laboratory and hospital information systems to identify and record patient demographics, clinical details and relevant laboratory results.	Action View
# 11	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Control infection risks in accordance with departmental protocols.	Action View
# 12	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Minimise risks and hazards in compliance with health and safety policies.	Action View

Assessments

You must complete:

• 1 case-based discussion(s)
• 1 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:

Receive a range of clinical samples, book them in to the appropriate IT system and select the appropriate investigations that are required	DOPS
Perform microscopy on clinical samples to investigate important bacterial infections	DOPS
Perform culture on clinical samples to investigate important bacterial infections	DOPS
Perform bacterial susceptibility tests using solid or liquid media	DOPS
Perform internal quality control on a chosen methodology	DOPS
Use laboratory IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data	DOPS
Perform identification tests for commonly isolated bacteria	DOPS
Perform and critically evaluate the results from a range of assays used to investigate bacterial infections	DOPS
An appropriate activity agreed with your Training Officer	OCE

Learning outcomes

1. Interpret routine requests for bacteriology investigations in the correct clinical context and process the specimens that accompany those requests.
2. Perform the range of laboratory techniques used in the workplace to investigate important bacterial infections, including bacterial susceptibility.
3. Apply the principles of internal quality control and external quality assessment and draw conclusions about assay performance.
4. Report the results of commonly performed investigations of bacterial infection.
5. Use laboratory IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the pathogenesis of important bacterial infections.
2. Discuss and evaluate the range of clinical investigations used in the detection and management of important bacterial infections.
3. Describe the design, operation and performance of a range of techniques, including test selection, used in the identification of bacteria.
4. Discuss and evaluate the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in the provision of information for management and treatment of bacterial infections.
5. Describe the relevant health and safety issues associated with bacterial isolation and identification, including storage and disposal.
6. Discuss and evaluate the quality management systems in place in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
7. Discuss the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation of bacterial infection and patient care.

Indicative content

• Bacterial structure and function
• Bacterial classification and phylogeny
• Bacterial replication and modes of transmission
• Clinical impact of bacterial infection
• Pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical investigation and management of bacterial infection
• Commonly encountered bacteria and related infections
• Test selection criteria
• Diagnostic tools for isolation and identification of bacteria
• Investigation and reporting of bacteria
• Microbiology health and safety legislation and its application within the laboratory
• Current and new technological developments
• Emerging and changing patterns of bacterial infections

Activities

• Prepare a portfolio of significant clinical cases reported in your presence and be able to list clinical outcomes and the main learning points, including implications for patient and public care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary review meetings at which bacteriology results are presented as part of the clinical record and reflect on your experiences and discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to Infection Sciences.
• Review and reflect on the internal quality control and external quality assessment of two bacteriology methods and draw conclusions about method performance and quality.
• Review and report on the clinical impact of important bacterial infections and of the appropriate clinical and laboratory investigation.
• Observe and discuss with practitioners the interpretation and reporting of laboratory results in the context of important bacterial infections. Reflect and discuss the implications of results for patients and public.
• Reflect on and report on the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation of bacterial infection.