Analytics —
Training activity: 2

Details

Develop or modify a tool using a scripted data processing language to solve a workplace challenge, applying appropriate software development methodology.

Type

Developmental training activity (DTA)

Evidence requirements

Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.

Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.

An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.

Reflective practice guidance

The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.

Before action

What are the intended outcomes of the training activity?

• How have you reviewed the specific learning outcomes to ensure you are prepared to explore and explain the relational architecture between disparate elements in your clinical or operational system?
• What essential knowledge have you identified as necessary regarding your chosen scripted data processing language (e.g., Python, R, SQL) and the specific software development methodology (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) before you begin?
• How do you intend to demonstrate that your designed tool follows best practice guidelines for data integrity and provides a robust solution to the identified workplace challenge?

What do you anticipate you will learn from the experience?

• What specific insights have you considered gaining regarding how code structure and algorithm design impact the ability to model complex system relationships?
• In what ways do you expect this activity to improve your proficiency in using scripted tools to translate raw data into actionable insights for your healthcare colleagues?

What actions will you take in preparation for the experience?

• What specific technical points have you prepared to discuss with your Training Officer or a software specialist to ensure you have a clear understanding of the task’s complexities and the tool’s requirements?
• How have you planned to handle the potential challenges of validating and verifying your tool against the existing system’s logic and data constraints?
• How have you identified your feelings about embarking on this activity, particularly regarding the responsibility of developing tools that may influence clinical or operational decision-making?

In action

What are you doing?

• How are you currently approaching the development or modification of the tool, and why have you chosen this specific sequence of logic for processing your data?
• What specific logic-based decisions are you making right now regarding the links and dependencies between different system elements in your code?
• Which aspects of scripting feel intuitive to you, and which—such as error handling or applying a specific methodology—require more conscious, focused effort to align with best practice?

How are you progressing with the activity?

• How effective are your current scripting actions in achieving a functional tool that addresses the core workplace challenge?
• What technical challenges are you encountering in this moment, and in what ways is this task connecting to your existing knowledge of system elements and data flow?
• What are you learning as the task unfolds about the limitations of your chosen language or the nuances of the system you are modelling?

How are you adapting to the situation?

• Are there alternative algorithms or data structures you should consider while in the middle of development to make the tool more efficient or readable?
• What immediate technical support or guidance from a senior colleague or developer might you need right now to resolve a complex coding issue?
• How are you ensuring that your development remains strictly within your professional scope of practice regarding data security and system integrity?

On action

What did you notice?

• How would you summarise the key technical points of the experience, specifically regarding the software methodology applied and the tool’s final architecture?
• What were the essential details you noticed regarding the interdependencies between system elements that were revealed during the development process?

What did you learn from the activity?

• What specific skills or knowledge did you develop regarding the ability to apply software development methodologies to solve practical workplace problems?
• In what ways did your real-time adjustments—such as refactoring a script for better performance—influence the final quality and accuracy of the tool?
• How does the experience of building this tool relate to the requirements for your future post-programme practice as a Clinical Scientist or Engineer?

What will you take from the experience moving forward?

• What specific areas for continued development in scripting or system modelling have you identified as a result of this activity?
• How can you apply the learning from this development project (e.g., more efficient data processing) to your routine practice in the department?
• What are the specific ‘next steps’ you will now take, such as mastering a new library or exploring automated testing, to support the assimilation of what you have learned?

Beyond action

Have you revisited the experiences?

• How have you re-evaluated your initial design decisions in light of subsequent learning about system interdependencies or user feedback?
• Comparing this experience with your Observed Training Activities (OTAs), what specific observable behaviours in technical problem-solving and software management have you now fully assimilated?
• In what ways has discussions with peers regarding your scripting strategies changed your view on how to navigate complex digital challenges?

How have these experiences impacted upon your current practice?

• How has this development activity supported your proficiency in wider professional areas, such as writing technical documentation or communicating system logic to the MDT?
• In what ways has the cumulative learning from this activity supported your preparation for ‘in-person’ assessments, where you must justify the technical choices made to solve clinical or operational problems?

How might these experiences contribute towards your future practice?

• What transferable skills in system exploration and digital innovation have you developed that will allow you to evaluate and adopt new technologies in the future?
• How will the principles of safe and high-quality software development learned here guide your future practice as digital transformation becomes more integrated into patient pathways?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 1	Outcome Explore and explain relationships between elements in a system.