Module information
Details
- Title
- Transmissible Disease, Paternity, Donation and Heritability
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-RA-S4-1
- Credits
- 10
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will provide the trainees with the knowledge and understanding of potentially sexually transmitted infections alongside paternally heritable disease, including generational epigenetic and environmental effects. This module will provide trainees with an understanding of the sperm donation process and the experience of guiding both donors and recipients through the process.
Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,6,7,8 |
Competency
Identify semen samples with signs of infection and recommend the next steps |
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 2,3,6,7 |
Competency
Take a clinical, social, and behavioural history from an individual to assess the risk to a child or partner/recipient using the sperm |
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 2,7,8 |
Competency
Gain informed consent from an individual with azoospermia for extended genetic screening |
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 3,4 |
Competency
Perform the initial stages of donor suitability assessment and screening with a prospective sperm donor |
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 2,3,6,7 |
Competency
Review a prospective donor history and available screening results to identify whether the donor is suitable for acceptance and communicate the decision to the donor |
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 3,4,6,7 |
Competency
Discuss with a prospective individual the implications for being a donor and identify the relevant support pathways |
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 4,6,7,8 |
Competency
Discuss with a prospective donor the initial genetic testing required for screening and how commercial ancestral testing changes the understanding of anonymity |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 4,6,7,8 |
Competency
Discuss with a prospective individual or couple the need to consider donation as an option |
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 5,6,7,8 |
Competency
Select a suitable donor/donors to match to a patient(s) and discuss with the care team these choices |
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 4,6,7 |
Competency
Provide accurate guidance to a patient/donor/other professional on the HFEA opening the register process |
Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Explain to a semen donor the legal implications of donation with regard to familial limits, the consequences of known donation and the variance in legislation from country to country.
- Discuss with an azoospermic man the additional genetic tests that could be performed and what the results may mean.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Gather a relevant donor history from a potential donor including lifestyle and genetic risk factors.
- Present a genetic history to another healthcare professional or the multidisciplinary team.
- Interact with a patient or donor with regard to genetic testing and its implications.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Assess semen samples for infection. |
| 2 | Evaluate the risk of transmissible and heritable conditions affecting offspring and partner/sperm recipients. |
| 3 | Assess a prospective donor’s suitability to take part in a donation programme. |
| 4 | Prepare and guide donors and recipients through the sperm donation process. |
| 5 | Identify suitable donors for recipients. |
| 6 | Practice safely in accordance with best practice guidance and regulations. |
| 7 | Apply and adapt skills to communicate effectively with patients and the multidisciplinary team. |
| 8 | Practice in partnership with the multidisciplinary team and other clinical specialties in the investigation and management of patients referred to andrology services. |
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 processes of genetic mutation and chromosomal rearrangement, rates and associated common reproductive outcomes including miscarriage.
- Argue the mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance and its modulation.
- Apply integrative knowledge of the processes for routine genetic screening employed by diagnostic genetic services, including genetic-testing techniques for PGT diagnosis.
- Critically interpret specialist diagnostic testing for DNA damage with respect to treatment or expectant management.
- Critically appraise the process required to assess suitability of an individual for sperm donation.
Indicative content
Governance, ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic and genomic testing
- Role of genomic counsellors.
Ethical, legal, and social implications of sperm donation
- Cross border regulations of gamete transportation.
- Regulatory differences in recruitment, screening, anonymity and familial limit from gamete donation in different countries.
Heritability of male infertility disorders and syndromes
- Role of specialist urologist.
- Genetics of male infertility.
- Sperm aneuploidy, specific mutations – CFTR, Y-chromosome microdeletions, Klinefelter syndrome, 47 XYY syndrome and Noonan Syndrome.
Paternal Effects
- Environmental and lifestyle considerations.
- Value of nutritional advice and targeted supplementation.
- Oxidative stress and cumulative DNA fragmentation.
- The role of age and offspring health.
Standards, best practice guidelines
- Professional bodies (ARCS, ESHRE and ASRM).
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
- Attend an STI clinic to appreciate the service provided and patient experience.
- Attend a disorders of sexual development clinic to appreciate the service provided and patient experience.
- Attend a Klinefelter’s clinic to appreciate the service provided and patient experience.
- Visit a sperm donor bank at another facility to appreciate the differences in practice.
Module assigned to
Specialties
| Specialty code | Specialty title | View |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty code SLS3-2-23 | Specialty title Andrology [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-2-24 | Specialty title Andrology [2024] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-2-25 | Specialty title Andrology [2025] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-2-22 | Specialty title Andrology [2022] | Action View |