Training activity information
Details
Appraise the evidence base for a new model of service delivery or practice, to improve the patient pathway.
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 critically evaluate changes and solutions to address service needs?
- How do you plan to demonstrate your ability to assess the impact of a new model on patient care, safety, and the wider healthcare system?
- What essential knowledge regarding evidence-based practice, clinical guidelines, and current pathway limitations must you acquire before you begin your appraisal?
What do you anticipate you will learn from the experience?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the interdependence between clinical evidence and operational feasibility within the healthcare system?
- In what ways do you expect this activity to improve your proficiency in critiquing complex datasets to support service improvements?
What actions will you take in preparation for the experience?
- What specific technical or clinical points have you prepared to discuss with your Training Officer to gain a clarity of understanding regarding the scope of the service model being appraised?
- What possible challenges—such as a lack of high-quality evidence or conflicting stakeholder interests—have you identified, and how do you plan to handle them?
- How have you identified your feelings about embarking on this activity, particularly the responsibility of recommending changes that could reshape a patient pathway?
In action
What are you doing?
- How are you currently approaching the synthesis of the evidence base, and why have you chosen this particular methodology for your critique?
- What decisions are you making as the appraisal progresses regarding the weight of specific evidence versus local clinical requirements?
- Which aspects of your appraisal feel intuitive, and which aspects—such as evaluating the wider systemic impact—require more conscious, focused effort?
How are you progressing with the activity?
- How effective are your current actions in identifying robust solutions that address identified service needs?
- What challenges are you facing as the appraisal unfolds, and what are you learning about the complexities of pathway improvement in real-time?
- How does this live activity connect to your existing knowledge of healthcare technology management and patient-centred care?
How are you adapting to the situation?
- Are there alternative service models or perspectives you should consider mid-appraisal to ensure your evaluation is holistic?
- What immediate support or guidance might you need from a senior colleague or a service lead right now to resolve an ambiguity in the evidence?
- How are you ensuring that your recommendations remain strictly within your professional scope of practice?
On action
What did you notice?
- How would you summarise the key points of the experience, specifically detailing whether the appraised evidence base strongly supports the proposed changes to the patient pathway?
What did you learn from the activity?
- What specific skills or knowledge did you develop regarding the ability to critically evaluate solutions for the wider healthcare system?
- In what ways did your reflection-in-action during the appraisal—such as questioning the validity of a specific study—influence the final outcome of your report?
- How does the experience of appraising this service model relate to the requirements for your future post-programme practice as a Clinical Scientist?
What will you take from the experience moving forward?
- What areas for continued development in strategic appraisal or evidence synthesis have you identified as a result of this activity?
- How can you apply the learning from this appraisal (e.g., more rigorous evaluation of safety impacts) to your routine practice in the department?
- What are the specific ‘next steps’ you will now take, such as presenting your findings to a quality board, to support the assimilation of what you have learned?
Beyond action
Have you revisited the experiences?
- How have you re-evaluated your initial appraisal conclusions in light of subsequent learning or feedback from the wider multidisciplinary team?
- Comparing this experience with your Observed Training Activities (OTAs), what specific observable behaviours in professional critique and pathway analysis have you now fully assimilated?
- In what ways has discussing with peers regarding your appraisal strategies changed your view on how to navigate complex service delivery challenges?
How have these experiences impacted upon your current practice?
- How has this appraisal activity supported your development in wider professional areas, such as writing interpretative technical reports or presenting strategic advice to management?
- How have you developed your skills in evaluating the clinical and systemic impact of service changes since the original experience?
- In what ways has the cumulative learning from this activity supported your preparation for in-person assessments, such as Case-based Discussions (CBD)?
How might these experiences contribute towards your future practice?
- What transferable skills in strategic planning and system exploration have you developed that will help you lead future service improvements?
- What clear actions for continued development of your appraisal skills have you identified to ensure your future practice remains safe and of high quality as patient pathways evolve?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 5 |
Outcome
Critically evaluate changes and solutions to address service needs, considering the impact on patient care and safety and the wider healthcare system, |