Andrology Logbook Experience 1
Andrology logbooks
When I first began working as an Andrology Practitioner, I wished to gain a greater theoretical and practical knowledge of solely Andrology and so this is where the ARCS logbooks were perfect!
I began by completing Module 1; this was a much bigger module with 14 sections. It began with questions on sample collection such as patient instructions and the importance of acceptance/rejection criteria. It also explored laboratory equipment and maintenance as well as the biology of spermatogenesis, retrograde ejaculation and how the various findings of semen analysis can affect fertility.
The module also consisted of many practical elements to aid in the understanding of the underlying biology, for example performing experiments on the effect on motility and pH with increased time. Furthermore, it included structured training logs for side-by-side comparisons to my senior colleagues. It also allowed me to experiment with techniques not routinely used in my laboratory, for example comparing sperm concentrations when using a Makler or Horwell chamber or using HOS for vitality in comparison to Eosin/Nigrosin staining. After submitting the paper element, I then completed a VIVA. This involved 2 assessors ensuring the knowledge and practical skills had been learnt and put into practice.
I then completed the Module 4 logbook which focused on sperm banking for fertility preservation. This included theoretical questions on the reasons why people freeze, the referral process, patient information and screening and the importance of record keeping.
It included a large section on informed consent, including which consent to take in various scenarios as well as structured training in how to take informed consent. This was invaluable for me as I had just begun consent training and thus was able to document my interactions both supervised and unsupervised using this logbook as evidence. It then finished with case studies presenting differing scenarios for sperm banking and fate of the specimens, this allowed me to put my learnt knowledge into practice.
Overall, both logbooks have been invaluable in providing the theory and practical skills required each day as an Andrology Practitioner, I have now decided to apply for STP equivalence in Andrology and these have therefore helped to provide a wealth of evidence towards that.
