Module information
Details
- Title
- Embryo Development, Grading and Selection
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-RE-S5-1
- Credits
- 10
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will provide the trainee with the knowledge and understanding of the development of pre-implantation embryos. They will gain experience in morphological and morphokinetic assessment of embryos, extended embryo culture and the clinical considerations used to identify embryos for transfer and cryopreservation. They will also develop an appreciation of the latest advances in embryo selection methods and be able to weigh up the clinical value of these.
Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1 |
Competency
Perform and record morphological embryo grading at both the cleavage and blastocyst stages |
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,6 |
Competency
Annotate and assess embryo development morphokinetics using time lapse technology |
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 3,4,5 |
Competency
Communicate embryo quality to patients |
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,3,4 |
Competency
Make clinical decisions regarding the number of embryos to be transferred for a variety of patients |
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,3,4,5 |
Competency
Select and record the fate of embryos for:
|
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 2,4,5 |
Competency
Perform embryo transfers to maintain embryo viability |
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 3,4,5 |
Competency
Dispose of unused fresh embryos |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,3,4 |
Competency
Assess suitability for extended embryo culture |
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 3,5,6 |
Competency
Deliver a presentation on emerging technologies for embryos selection |
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 3,5 |
Competency
Review the multiple birth rate and multiple births minimisation strategy for the clinic, and make recommendations for necessary changes |
Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Perform an embryo transfer.
- Grade and record embryo quality at different stages of development.
- Select embryos for transfer.
- Assess clinical presentation and cycle details to recommend the number of embryos to transfer.
- Dispose of embryos using appropriate witnessing.
- Undertake a NEQAS submission for embryos.
Observed Clinical Event Titles
- Discuss the number of embryos to be replaced with a patient including the implications and risks to the cycle outcome.
- Discuss embryo development and quality with a patient and the implications for their treatment cycle.
- Discuss embryo quality and the implications for cryopreservation with a patient.
- Discuss embryo quality with the multidisciplinary team.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Evaluate embryo quality and development to inform clinical decision. |
| 2 | Perform embryo transfer. |
| 3 | Interpret and report embryology results. |
| 4 | Communicate embryo grade and clinical decisions effectively with patients and the multidisciplinary team to enhance the overall patient experience. |
| 5 | Practice in accordance with regulatory and safety standards, including keeping accurate records of the fates of embryos. |
| 6 | Identify and appreciate the emergence of new technologies and clinical advances for embryo selection and how these should be communicated to 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 be able to:
- Demonstrate extended understanding of the stages of preimplantation and implantation in human embryo development and the function of the endometrium.
- Critically appraise techniques for oocyte and embryo morphological assessments.
- Describe and evaluate the techniques for the process of embryo transfer.
Indicative content
- Human embryonic development and differentiation at all stages of the pre-implantation embryo.
- Genetic regulation of early embryonic development, including maternal and embryonic gene activity.
- Cellular and molecular aspects of embryo development.
- Chromosomal abnormalities, including meiotic origins and causes of monosomy and trisomy.
- Process of implantation and endometrial function.
- Grading methodologies from oocyte to blastocyst stage, and assessment at all preimplantation stages.
- Identification of damaged, non-viable or abnormal gametes, zygotes or embryos.
- Assessment of gametes and embryos for intended use and implications for direct patient treatment.
- Handling and manipulation of embryos, including preparation of embryos and process of embryo transfer.
- Reporting outcomes of assisted reproductive technology procedures.
- Donor selection and ethics etc.
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 a multidisciplinary team meeting where previous or potential cases are being reviewed and reflect on the considerations given to formulating a treatment plan for the patient.
- Visit a clinic with time lapse technology to appreciate its use in the selection of embryos.
- Attend a medical follow-up consultation to appreciate cycle analysis and future treatment options for patients following an unsuccessful cycle.
Module assigned to
Specialties
| Specialty code | Specialty title | View |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty code SLS3-1-22 | Specialty title Embryology [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-1-23 | Specialty title Embryology [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-1-25 | Specialty title Embryology [2025] | Action View |
| Specialty code SLS3-1-24 | Specialty title Embryology [2024] | Action View |