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Official Publication of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine
Volume 48 Issue 1 Spring 2022
President's Prize 2022
contents Volume 48 Issue 1 Spring 2022
editorial......................................................................................................... 4
message from the president................................................... 6
features
Age Proof: the new science of living a longer and healthier life............................ 8
Are we effectively tackling misinformation........................................................... 12
Page 12 Coaching: A key to Transformation...................................................................... 16
academy
My Medical Science Career................................................................................. 18
CPD...................................................................................................................... 22
Updates................................................................................................................ 24
My Lab.................................................................................................................. 25
Students............................................................................................................... 28
Page 25
Awards................................................................................................................. 30
On the move......................................................................................................... 32
The role of the Medical Scientist in the MDT....................................................... 35
partners in pathology
Beckman Coulter................................................................................................. 36
HeathTech Ireland................................................................................................ 38
Page 30 research
Merkel cell carcinoma with a concurrent squamous cell carcinoma:
A case study......................................................................................................... 40
An Investigation into the Prevalence of Vancomycin-resistant
Enterococci within an Irish Hospital..................................................................... 42
The Knowledge, Prevalence and Perception of Sexually Transmitted
Infections (STIs) among the Third-level Student Population in Cork, Ireland...... 42
President’s Prize – Project Abstracts................................................................... 43
Page 32 Obituary – Paul O’Rourke..................................................................................... 46
Spring 2022 • converse • 3
editorial
T
he Academy had been hoping the who encouraged Natalia to write the piece for
BioMedica2022, postponed from 2020 Converse. Other student and Medical Scientist
could take place as normal in March. mentors Dr Debbie Corcoran, Helen Cregg
During the Christmas period we monitored and Dr Joan O’Keeffe are also pushing out
the impact of Covid-19 and latterly the boundaries winning awards and posting blogs.
Omicron variant on society and particularly This is so important in showcasing the work of
on the impact to the health sector, staff, Medical Scientists.
and management. As numbers continued Congratulations to our President’s Prize
to increase in January it seemed unlikely winner, Julie Twomey and to Danielle Scally
BioMedica could deliver an audience in our case study winner. Great to see the work
sufficient numbers to make the event a during the pandemic of my former colleagues
success for exhibitors and visitors alike. The in Virology at St James’s acknowledged with
Academy also had to consider requirements their award from the CEO.
of exhibitors to arrange logistics, travel Early career scientists and students
etc as early as possible and that they feature with our President’s Prize competitors
needed us to call this before they began abstracts in our research section and under
to make arrangements. In early January, Helen Barry grad and published research. Keep an eye
the Academy took the reluctant decision to on our website for dates for President’s
postpone BioMedica until 27th – 28th March UK) where she is Director of Operations. Prize and a Webinar seminar for early career
2023. We will however hold BioMedica2022 Catherine previously held the position scientists organised by our Engagement and
online on March 28th and 29th. Full of Head of Operations for the Pathogen Advancement Advisory Body.
programme www.acslm.ie. Genomics COVID Programme at Public Congratulations to those members on the
The National Working Group to inform the Health England (PHE) and was responsible move. Mick Amoruso, Chair of our Clinical
Strategic Direction of Laboratory Medicine for the service delivery of SARS-CoV-2 Chemistry Advisory Body is moving to the
and Services has been established. The genomics in the UK and the continuous Mater. Dr James O’Connor, Chair of our
terms of reference and membership of genomic service improvement. Prior to Engagement and Advancement Advisory
the group have been published. The first joining COG-UK and PHE, Catherine was Body, is taking up a position as lecturer in
meeting was held on February 24th. Our working with the European Centre for MTU. Susan Treacy has just taken over as CEO
nominee Marie Culliton is already hard Disease Prevention and Control where of HealthTech Ireland. I did an interview with
at work and is supported by Academy she provided scientific and technical her recently. The Academy has worked with
Council. Council are also consulting with expertise for the analysis and interpretation Susan and HealthTech Ireland in the past and
laboratory managers and members. We of European whole genome sequencing we look forward to continuing our partnership.
hope this group will set direction and datasets and supported international The first Mentoring programme is now up
provide a blueprint for this review and that outbreak investigations. Natalia Unrath is and running. Expressions of interest are now
the knowledge, skills and competencies well on her way to a great career in Medical requested for our next programme.
of Medical Scientists will be recognised Science, with her PhD studies and also It was with great sadness I learnt of the
and permitting them to work to the top of working in Connolly Hospital. I was pleased sudden death of my former colleague at St
their licence, and reach their potential and to see Natalia acknowledge some former James, Paul O’Rourke. Paul was so cheerful
parity of esteem with their other professional colleagues of mine, her lecturers Drs Denise and always so helpful to me and all of his
colleagues in the laboratory. Drudy and Celine Herra who inspired colleagues. I know the haematology and all
I am delighted to feature so many her love of microbiology and her Chief in labs in St James’s were devastated at his
pieces from our Medical Scientists Connolly Hospital, Carol Tiernan. Carol had lost. To compound the family’s tragedy, Paul’s
across the spectrum of their careers. Dr the vision and leadership to accommodate mother, who had been unwell, passed in the
Catherine Ludden is a Medical Scientist her in the lab so that Natalia can work and days following Paul’s funeral. Ar dheis Dé go
graduate from GMIT, has written about her carry out her research. This is a model raibh siad.
amazing career and her contribution to that could be explored by other Chiefs to I take this opportunity to remind Medical
COVID-19 epidemiology. She is a genomic ensure clinical labs can hold on to more of Scientists to renew their membership for 2022.
epidemiologist on secondment at the our graduates and in time benefit from their We need your support. Strength in numbers!
COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG- expertise. Thanks to Dr Anne MacLellan, Helen Barry
Editor: Helen Barry Converse is published three times a year. It is
Deputy Editor: Anne Mac Lellan utilised for information exchange, communication
and continuing education, managerial and
scientific, of the medical laboratory scientists of
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4 • converse • Spring 2022
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message from the president
Message from the President
Like all of you, I too have begun to forget which year the pandemic
started. Could it have been 2020 and where did the last two years go?
For all of us – time waxed and waned in a haze of increased workloads,
new learning, new equipment, new analyses, new test protocols, new
committees, new guidelines, new SOPs, new ways of working. We
up-skilled, learning to communicate effectively from both 2 metres and
remotely.
IT connectivity has also remained a National issue, obtaining new
connections, staying connected, restoring connectivity and a realisation
that IT connectivity is central to the delivery of our Clinical Laboratory
Diagnostics and outdated systems can no longer be sustained.
The failure to match National Guidelines for Chronic Disease Management
with a review and investment in the requirements for Clinical Laboratories
including automation upgrades, order comms, delivery schedules and
immediate and future staffing requirements.
Despite all of our collective efforts, professionalism, and expertise as
Medical Scientists to support these National Emergencies, the issues
of staffing, adequate staff, staff retention, career progression and
staff burnout, remain. Despite regulation of our profession by CORU,
unlike other HSCP professions, this has served to fracture rather than
consolidate laboratory personnel, as unregulated and non - registered
laboratory staff and the ongoing creation of informal grades continue as
patient safety issues.
The Academy as your professional body has engaged with multiple
stakeholders and highlighted repeatedly at the highest level that career
progression is both crucial and central to staff retention. The patient,
indeed all patients, deserve the support of expert Medical Scientist
diagnostic practitioners, providing quality diagnostic services, evaluating
and guiding their diagnoses, in the day, in the evening, at night, the
weekend and in critical emergencies 24/7/365 across all laboratory
disciplines.
The Academy welcomes the establishment of the National Working
Group to Inform the Strategic Direction of Laboratory Medicine. The
Academy nominated representative is Marie Culliton and Marie will be
ably supported by sub- group consisting of Dr Irene Regan, Paudy O’
Gorman, Sinéad Creagh, Bernie Quirke, Helen Barry, Pat Mulhare and
myself. Marie has multiple years experience as a Medical Scientist and
Laboratory Manager, has been actively involved in our profession serving
as President of the Academy and internationally as president of EPBS and
is currently President Elect of IFBLS.
Now more than ever we need your support and engagement to ensure
your voice is heard, your expertise is recognised and valued, so as to
achieve the long term goals of adequate and expert staffing for Clinical
Diagnostic Laboratory Services, with career progression for all.
6 • converse • Spring 2022
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feature
Age Proof: the new science of
living a longer and healthier life
by Professor Rose Anne Kenny, temperature shock, sends electrical impulses
published by Lagom, an imprint from peripheral nerve endings to the brain,
triggering an increase in important chemicals
of Bonnier books, 328 pp. such as noradrenaline. In the interests of
By Anne Mac Lellan research for this book, I decided to end my
warm morning shower with a cold drench.
I fully concur with Kenny’s description of
D
o you want to live longer and be body shock. You may well laugh! Anyway,
happier and healthier? Then treat for the hardy souls among us (and this is
yourself to Rose Anne Kenny’s new not easy for those of us who got wetsuits for
book, Age Proof, which contains a lively Christmas!), cold water swimming doesn’t
mixture of the ‘why’, the science behind just impart clarity to the skin and a healthy
aging, and the ‘how to’, strategies to age glow, there is also evidence to support
longer and better. associations with decreases in tension
A positive attitude is key to successful and fatigue and improvement in mood and
aging. The truth of the old saw that ‘we are memory. So, when one of my colleagues
as young as we feel’ has been confirmed on our infection control team reminds me
by a number of studies including the that her family all swim in cold water without
ground-breaking work of Prof Rose Anne wetsuits and that our family are ‘wetsuit
Kenny and her team at TILDA (The Irish wimps’, I will keep quiet in future…it seems
Longitudinal study on Ageing). She states she might just be right.
that perceptions can override other factors Of course, it’s not enough to think you
that otherwise limit physical aging. Simply are younger than your chronological age, to
feeling younger than your chronological smile and laugh, and to douse yourself in
age slows the pace of aging, irrespective of Or while you’re at it, expand that smile cold water. Diet comes in for attention too.
diseases or disorders. So, it’s official, I am to a full-blown belly laugh. There is an Here, the advice is contrary to the usual
really 35 – with apologies to my daughter entire chapter dedicated to laughter and received wisdom. Skipping breakfast can
(chronological age 35) who may just have purpose. Laughter is a social behaviour. be good for you! The science is that our
grounds to contradict this. According to Kenny, we use it to bond and metabolism slows as we age so we are more
There are various key studies with respect to communicate. As well as making us likely to put on weight and develop ‘metabolic
to aging that we have probably all heard feel good, laughter contributes to better syndrome’ which includes increased blood
about but forgotten the exact details. Early health by exercising muscles, increasing pressure, high blood sugar, a large waistline
in the book, she discusses the eponymous respiration and blood circulation and and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride
‘Nun study’ asking can you imagine being improving digestion. Laughter also increases levels. This syndrome puts us at increased
asked to take part in a study where the endorphins, our ‘feel-good chemicals’. risk of chronic health issues, including heart
researcher asks if you would not only be It raises serotonin and dopamine levels disease, stroke and diabetes. Kenny looks
willing to be examined in detail at regular - endorphins which play a critical role in to the diets of people living in the world’s
intervals throughout your life, but, at pleasure, motivation, memory and reward. blue zones, where people live longer and are
death, asks that you donate your brain for So, with high endorphin levels, we feel calm, healthier. Their diets are high in fish, 95 per
dissection? In 1991, some 678 American poised, confident and relaxed. And the good cent plants, very low in red meat, moderately
nuns agreed to do just this. For researchers, news doesn’t end there, endorphins play a low in diary and eggs and very low in sugars,
the similarity of their physical backgrounds role in the immune response which declines and completely devoid of processed foods.
was key; they had similar marital status, lack with age. Replenish your endorphins by Usually, just four drinks are consumed:
of children, income and socio-economic enjoying and, if possible, sharing the water, coffee, tea and wine. Kenny suggests
status, similar diet, lived together, didn’t laughter when you watch your favourite that calorie restriction ‘holds huge promise
smoke or drink and had access to the same comedies or read amusing books or articles. for deceleration of aging’. She advocates
preventive, nursing and medical services. So far, so good, so painless. But, what various fasting regimes. Her preferred choice,
The nuns all wrote a letter when they about hormesis? Briefly, hormesis is where in her own life, is the 18-hour fast, so she
were 20 and taking their final vows. These low doses are protective and high doses skips breakfast, eats two meals between
letters provided insights into their attitudes. are detrimental. A cold shower or cold- midday and the evening (within six hours)
The nuns who expressed more positive water immersion has a hormetic effect as and fasts overnight and next morning. While
emotions, lived on average a decade longer it forces the body to recover normal core this works for her, she acknowledges that
than their less-positive peers, and they were temperature after the cooling stimulus. Rose fasting is not for everyone, so she suggests
less likely to get dementia. Rose Anne Kenny Anne Kenny states that the number of cold curtailing eating to an 8-10 hour window and,
is adamant that the same applies to us: ‘the receptors in the skin is up to ten times that if possible, avoid snacking.
more optimistic and positive our perceptions, of warm receptors. So, on exposure to cold Sex and intimacy are rarely discussed in
the more likely we are to live longer, healthier water, blood vessels contract and raise the context of older people however Kenny
and happier lives.’ So, smile! blood pressure, which coupled with the notes that thankfully the world has moved
8 • converse • Spring 2022
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Spring 2022 • converse • 9
feature
on and the importance of sex for all ages tickets while the driver remained sedentary This contradicts the old theory that we can’t
is recognised and valued for women and behind the wheel. Two London pathologists, grow new nerve cells – it was assumed that
for men. Kenny writes, that as a medical in the 1950s, observed that they seemed to we were born with a certain number of brain
student taking a patient’s history, she be carrying out more post-mortems on bus cells and as we get older, we lose cells until
diligently asked about sexuality and sexual drivers than conductors and more desk- some of us develop dementia. This is not
problems. ‘I recall how older patients visibly based post office workers than postmen. necessarily the case.
changed, from being meek and passive To explore their idea, the pathologists Kenny’s book distils her experience of
to engaged and animated, when speaking contacted all of the pathologists in the UK more than 35 years in clinical and research
about their sexuality.’ There are physical and requested details of post-mortems practice and, in particular, the findings of
and mental benefits to sexual activity and on all male deaths together with their TILDA. She has included a number of tests at
it seems that being sexually active is an occupational histories. Their suspicions the end of the book so that we, the readers
independent benefit for brain health. were confirmed with sedentary occupations can self-test ourselves and see how we
When it comes to exercise, Kenny retells associated with early death. As well as compare to our chronological peers. These
the familiar story of London bus conductors conferring physical benefits, exercise also tests are fun, interesting and informative…
and drivers. For those too young to improves mental health and well-being, in fact, I skipped to them before reading the
remember bus conductors, they walked increasing the size of the hippocampus, book as I didn’t want to bias my answers!
up and down the bus selling and checking which is the seat of learning and memory. You may wish to do the same!!
Creative activity in the ageing population
Siobhan Scarlett, Ann Hever, Mark Ward, Rose Anne Kenny November 2021
https://tilda.tcd.ie/publications/reports/pdf/Report_CreativeActivity_OlderPopulation.pdf
In addition to its two-yearly questionnaires, in July 2020, TILDA sent a questionnaire to each participant to capture
the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown period on their lives. This research assessed involvement in a range of
creative activities from going out to films, concerts or plays to reading books or magazines for pleasure, listening
to music, radio, and doing creative hobbies. A ‘creative activity score’ was produced for each individual, taking
Creative activity
into account the number of creative activities they were involved in and the frequency they partook in each in the ageing popu
lation
activity. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the study found that older adults reporting the highest levels of involvement in Josie McAteer, Creative
Ireland Carlow,
creative activities reported the highest quality of life, and scored lowest on loneliness, depression, worry and
Borris Lace Project
Photo credit Helen
McAteer
stress measurements. The level of involvement in creative activities was consistent between ages 50-74 years, tilda.tcd.ie
before beginning to decline more rapidly from 75 years and older. Higher educational attainment and higher
income were strong driving factors for regular involvement in creative activities. Women were over three times more likely than men
to read books, magazines or newspapers for pleasure weekly, while adults living in rural areas had lower involvement compared with
those in urban areas.
In Their Own Words: The Voices of Older Irish People in the
COVID-19 Pandemic
Niall Costello, Mark Ward, Paul O'Mahoney, Rose Anne Kenny, July 2021
https://tilda.tcd.ie/publications/reports/pdf/Report_C19ParticipantVoices.pdf
The pandemic, as well as disrupting family life, also had a dramatic effect on the working lives of older adults. This
study found that the loss of working life as part of restrictions was particularly frustrating for many participants, In Their Own Word
s:
The Voices of Olde
and many expressed stress and worry about ever returning to employment. In addition to the financial strain of r Irish People in
the COVID-19 Pand
emic
unemployment, participants also referred to the loss of emotional investment and sense of identity that they had
Niall Costello, Mark
Ward, Paul O'Mahoney
, Rose Anne Kenny
“With the
“To be able to
developed through their normal working lives. Beth, 62, is quoted: “I've been at home since mid-March hoping to
lockdown, life as “Going for a meal,
travel around “[I look forward to]
we knew it theatre, concert. “The worst part
suddenly stopped!” Ireland at my own a creamy pint of
Hope my choir will was not being able “It was very
leisure.” Guinness” frightening as I did “To see family &
get up and running to see my mother
not want my …. friends, my
soon.” for nearly 4 grandchildren, and
grandchildren or
months.” great grandson.”
myself to get
return to work soon. While it’s been great to spend time with family and my pets, it has also been very stressful.
unwell.”
tilda.tcd.ie
Days when I didn’t see or speak to anyone.” She worried that she was working full time before COVID. Due to
the financial impact on their business she was now on a two day week.
Altered lives in a time of crisis: The impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on the lives of older adults in Ireland
Editors: Mark Ward, Paul O'Mahoney and Rose Anne Kenny
https://tilda.tcd.ie/publications/reports/pdf/c19-key-findings-report/COVID-19%20Key%20Findings%20Report.pdf
This is a wide-ranging report, including changes to everyday activities, participation in exercise, compliance
with regulations and restrictions, loneliness, stress, use of healthcare services, medications, changes in caring
Altered lives in
roles… Sadly, restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have had a dramatic effect on non COVID-19 related The impact of the
a time of crisis:
COVID-19
pandemic on the
healthcare services in Ireland. According to this study, this has resulted in an ‘array of healthcare needs being adults in Ireland
lives of older
unmet’. As older adults have greater healthcare needs, they are likely to be the most affected by this. Nearly one- Findings from The
Study on Ageing
Irish Longitudinal
third of adults aged 60 years and older delayed or did not get medical care that they needed. Many older adults
delayed going to the GP or dentist from fear.
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Spring 2022 • converse • 11feature
Are we effectively tackling
misinformation?
Cían Ryan, Senior Scientist, UK Health Security Agency
S
ince joining the workforce, I have media platforms with coherence and piece increases their chances of
worked in numerous settings professionalism. But unfortunately, I being predisposed to reject any future
of medical science in Ireland. have seen healthcare professionals, message from its source or their
I have discovered that the feeling including Medical Scientists, who profession.
of self-confidence (and colleague have used social media as a platform Regarding discussion on issues
encouragement for that matter) in to discuss professional matters in a of public health, there is an obvious
expressing our views and expert non-professional way over the past two societal cost of misinformation. And
opinion is very much a checkerboard years. if individuals are misinformed, they
effect. I have at times felt empowered Social media can be a grey area are less likely to make decisions
to be allowed speak up about areas I when it comes to separating your that are in their own best interest,
have worked or done research in. And personal and professional persona. or the interest if those around them.
other times I have felt silenced. After Many of these social media accounts The obvious example being societal
so many years in formal education, so were created to be for ‘personal use’ behaviour during the pandemic such
many years of relevant and applied and often include statements such as the decision to comply with mask
work experience and so many years of as ‘opinions not necessarily those of wearing, social distancing or to accept
continued professional development I my employer’ or ‘my opinion only’ in a COVID-19 vaccination. The below
find it hard to believe I allowed myself the description. However, when you discussion is just some food for
to feel silenced and put in a box. After additionally include your professional thought on how to more impactfully
all, in college it is not that we are taught title or professional affiliation in your address opposing healthcare
to keep advisement for other job titles. description, although the account arguments both on and off social
What we are taught is to never advise may be ‘for personal use’, you are media. I should mention here that I fully
without scientific evidence to back it creating a connection in your reader’s intend for this piece to stay within the
up. mind between your beliefs and those realm of opinion pieces.
The pandemic has lent a good of your profession. Thereby how you As Scientists we are good at
opportunity for different arms of conduct yourself on such an account straight forward persuasion, providing
healthcare, including Medical Scientists can impact audience’s perceptions of evidence to back up our points.
to showcase their expertise and your profession’s views, beliefs and For our typical dissemination to the
scientific advisory skills. Some have conduct. I believe this is important as scientific community and key decision
taken advantage of this and have any backfire effect from an audience’s makers this is perfectly effective.
showcased their knowledge on social bad experience read an argumentative We need to present the most up-to-
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Spring 2022 • converse • 13feature date and reliable information in an ‘familiarity backfire effect’ and ends through the evidence you are providing understandable manner. However, up reinforcing the misinformation and that you are not blindly quoting when we are addressing people who in your audiences minds instead of studies that you think fit with your view. have opposing views to ours with correcting it. Of course, it is not always There will then be those who hold regards to matters of healthcare and possible to argue your view without very strongly to their worldview and any lower levels of healthcare literacy, we referencing the misinformation that arguments or evidence that threaten need to consider that they may have a you are trying to address. Therefore, their worldview will end up affirming different stake in the discussion than what can be effective is to provide their belief even further, something our typical audience. pre-exposure warnings that the known as the ‘worldview backfire It is not always useful to just to information you are about to address is effect’. It is likely any form of argument tell someone that their opinion or considered misleading information or that you could present to them will not view is wrong. Research into mental misinformation. This way what you are be entertained. This is where you really models have shown that this rarely actually doing is reinforcing a warning need to change your approach and has an impact. This assumes the tag to the information so that whenever lower your expectations for a result. psychological theory that individuals it is referenced by your audience, When you consider this is the type of produce mental models for their beliefs they may associate it with terms such audience you are looking to target, your (kind of like a flow chart of events). The as ‘misinformation’ or ‘misleading’. best approach is a more humanised problem with simply trying to debase Studies have found that warnings are approach where you do not aim to a belief without offering an alternative more efficient if they are delivered argue your point, but instead invite explanation means that people are left prior to the information in question them into your worldview, show them with a mental model that is incomplete in contrast to follow-up warnings what you believe and more importantly and no longer makes sense to them. (Chambers and Zaragoza, 2001). why you believe it. Curiosity is a basic Studies (Johnson and Seifert, 1998) Try your best to ensure your trait of our human nature, and as have shown that despite subjects message is as simple and digestible as people we are always curious to see being able to demonstrate awareness possible. Studies into decision making the world how other people see it. In of a debasement of their belief, they highlight that individuals will often order to do this, we must let our guard may still rely on debased information accept an explanation if it is simpler down. Words gain strength when they when recalling or engaging in debate. to understand, in favour of the true are instilled with a human experience. People are often uncomfortable with explanation if it is too complex. This When we are open and honest with knowledge gaps and therefore can is unfortunately a difficult thing to do our audience, we allow them a chance prefer an incorrect mental model over as often the answers to questions of to let their guard down and entertain an incomplete one. It is therefore Medical science and infectious disease our ideas without feeling threatened. important to provide an alternative transmission are in fact complex! But To do this you must recognise your explanation such as your own belief where processes are complex, the best audience’s worldview and empathise and ideally the rational for that belief we can do is choose a more simplistic with their experiences. Building this in the form of scientific evidence. The and visual approach to explaining our symbiotic curiosity with your audience more internally coherent your argument view. Although you may have gathered means they are more likely to be is to your audience the better it will fit numerous sources and have numerous receptive to what you have to say. with their mental model and become examples of evidence which you could Why this is effective is because you reinforced. use in your argument, there is such a are presenting the same information Although dependent on your method thing called the ‘overkill effect’ (also but the way you are framing it is less of dissemination, you could employ known as the ‘protest too much’ effect) threatening to someone who has a what is called ‘repeated retraction’. where there is a threshold for the stake in the topic that is being argued. This may work for something like twitter amount of evidence you supply before After all, in an argument, in order for where you can retweet a thread over it starts having the opposite effect on one party to be recognised as the a timespan to reinforce and remind your audience. Try using fewer (but winner, the other party must recognise your audience of your alternative strong) bits of evidence to support your themselves as the loser (Elbow, 1998). explanation, but this is not going to be argument. I think this is the most common mistake feasible for a piece of writing that is It is also ok for you to provide a pre- made when dealing with misinformation only going to be published once on a exposure warning for your evidence. in healthcare. The arguments used are website or in a publication. Repetition For example, if you quote a study on often those that would only work on can strengthen the correction force case-fatality rates in COVID-19 patients, allies, not on the opposition. When you of an argument, but it does come you can remind your audience that frame your message as an invitation to with warnings too. When repeating this paper was carried out in a cohort see the topic through your eyes, there your argument to an audience, you of hospitalised patients and therefore are no winners or losers, you are not need to remember to focus on your it is likely that the findings would be asking for your audience to accept your alternative explanation and the facts more extremely than a study which was belief, only to recognise your beliefs, of why you support this view. If you carried out in the general population if only for a small period of time. What spend time summarising or creating due to the increased presence of you accomplish by doing this is you context by repeating the misinformation co-morbidity in hospitalised patients. plant an alternative idea in their mind. to an audience, you run the risk of Providing a certain level of scepticism This alternative idea may overtime grow further familiarising them with the in your own sources can bolster a in familiarity and become reinforced misinformation. This is known as the sense of trust, that you have thought whenever they are reminded of the 14 • converse • Spring 2022
feature
topic during future events. If you Johnson, H. and Seifert,
Cían is on Academy Council and
think about how people change C. (1998) ‘Sources of the
is a member of the Academy’s
their mind on something, it is a continued influence effect:
Engagement and Advancement
gradual process over time and when misinformation Advisory Body. He started his
rarely in an instant. in memory affects later career as a Medical Scientist
Just a final note on the topic inferences’, Journal of (Immunology) in Mullingar General
of authority. I believe Medical Experimental Psychology, 20. Hospital and subsequently at the
Scientists should be able to Mater before joining the doctoral
use their scientific knowledge, Lewandowsky, S. et al. training programme at Lancaster
research, and critical analysis (2012) ‘Misinformation and its Medical School. His research involves looking at the
skills to disseminate correct correction: continued influence impact of COVID-19 vaccination on SARS-CoV-2
scientific information to a and successful debiasing’, transmission networks in the UK.
wide audience. We can Psychological Science in the c.ryan@lancaster.ac.uk
be recognised as credible Public Interest, 13(3).
sources of information due to
our overlapping placement
in healthcare and science.
However, I think it is important
that anyone engaging in
science communication lets
their authority speak for itself.
Using your authority as an
argument in and of itself rarely
has beneficial effects. Your
argument is more likely to be
rejected when delivered as
an authoritative correction as
people generally do not like
being told what to do or think.
If I can draw a parallel to how
we as healthcare workers care
for service users in sexual
healthcare. We need to be
able to provide education
and guidance and be slightly
coercive while making sure
never to be patronising or
judgemental. For those who IDKmonitor® THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING
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audience too. • Assays compatible with originator drugs and biosimilars
References Supporting the delivery of personalised medicine
Chambers, K. and Zaragoza,
M. (2001) ‘Intended and
Learn more at www.accumed.ie
unintended effects of explicit
warnings on eyewitness
suggestibility: evidence from
source identification tests’, Phone +353018537320
Memory & Cognition, 29. info@accumed.ie
www.accumed.ie
Elbow, P. (1998) Writing with
power.
Spring 2022 • converse • 15feature
COACHING:
A Key to Transformation
Denise Hennessey, Quality Manager and Executive Coach
What is Coaching? III listening is practised. In level III the self-growth as opposed to staying “stuck”
Coaching is a quest to maximise personal coach is aware of what is being said, in a job they think they hate.
and/or professional potential through how it is said, the environmental stimuli
thought provoking conversation. It can be and their effects and what is not being Adopting a coaching culture
a one to one or a group process. Central said. It is listening at its best. (3) Only 7% of communication is in the words
to the philosophy of coaching is that the Coaching Tools we use. The remainder is made up from
coachee has the potential to find their own One of the main strategies used in tone of voice (38%) and body language
solutions from within. The coach does not coaching is reflection. (4) Worklife in (55%).
offer solutions, their role is to facilitate the the lab is busy and there is little room [From detailed experiments of Albert
process and move the coachee forward. for reflection. A lot of time is spent on Mehrabian, Psychologist]
A coach is different from a mentor in this situations and people that we cannot Coaching conversations are vital to build
respect. A big part of a coach’s job is to control. Coaching offers a safe space trust and change. These can be daily real
enable change, at an individual level, a and time for the coachee to reflect on time feedback sessions or a quarterly
team level and at an organisational level. (1) where they are and where they want catch up. Whatever timeframes are used,
Be the change you wish to see in the to go. Imagery can be quite powerful, positive or negative feedback should be
world. – Mahatma Gandhi especially if someone is finding it difficult given with good intention. The intention is
to convey their future desires. (5) With to aid growth and unlock potential.
The coaching session career coaching, writing a retirement The conversation should involve active
It is crucial to remember that in any speech is often given as homework, to listening, asking a staff member how
coaching relationship, it is the coachee provide the coachee with a focus on everything is going and not interrupting
who drives the agenda, not the coach. where they want their career to go. Re- them. Reflecting back what you have
A coachee must enter the coaching framing a situation can often be helpful heard and not making any assumptions
process of their own free will, be open and to a coachee. For example, a coachee are important. It is important to know
be honest. The relationship will consist enters the process feeling fed up in their what a staff member’s personal purpose
of monthly, one hour long meetings at current job but after some discussion is. But first it is important to create an
a mutually agreed time. It is important they come to realise that the issue is, environment where the staff member feels
that meetings are face to face, be that they can no longer grow any further in they can share this without judgement.
virtually or in person, as body language their current job and self-growth/learning Regular coaching conversations help
can offer other signs and signals of how is actually one of their top values. With create trust because a staff member feels
a coachee may be feeling. The coach will this insight the coachee can now set a listened to. By asking more questions
listen and facilitate in the session to ensure goal for this new actionable issue around than you answer, over time you will
the coachee gets the most value out of
the session. It is up to the coachee to
determine goals, to stay committed to these
goals and keep any agreements made
during the sessions. This helps the coachee
learn to be accountable, more resourceful
and implement their own solutions
sustainably.
Coaching models
Different coaches will use one or more
of coaching models, dependent on the
coachee’s needs. The GROW (Goals,
Reality, Options, Wrap up) model is
performance orientated. The GROW model
is both goal focused and solution focused.
(2) The co-active model is a more fluid
model. It is based on four cornerstones:
people are naturally creative and
wholesome,
focus on the whole person,
dance in this moment,
evoke transformation.
Regardless of the model used, level Source: Co-Active Coaching, Fourth Edition, by Henry Kimsey-House et al
16 • converse • Spring 2022feature
notice that people will begin to bring you References: Physicians: A Pilot Randomized
solutions instead of problems and they will 1. https://coachingfederation.org/core- Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med.
encourage others around them to do the competencies 2019;179(10):1406–1414. doi:10.1001/
same. (6) jamainternmed.2019.2425
2. Coaching for Performance (5th
edition): GROWing Human Potential
Potential benefits of and Purpose - the Principles and Denise Hennessey
coaching Practice of Coaching and Leadership
• Develop self awareness, confidence (chapters 10, 11 & 12)
and resilience ISBN 9781857884098 John Whitmore
• Improve direction and focus 3. Whitworth, Laura; Kimsey-House,
• Improve performance and potential Henry; Sandahl, Phil (1998) Co-Active
• Develop leadership capabilities Coaching Davies-Black Publishing
• Successful management of work-life
4. Deiorio NM, Carney PA, Kahl LE,
balance (7)
Bonura EM, Juve AM. Coaching: a
new model for academic and career
Final thoughts achievement. Med Educ Online. 2016 Denise Hennessey worked as a
For me, the primary value of coaching Dec 1;21:33480. doi: 10.3402/meo. Medical Scientist in Beaumont
lies within having the space and time v21.33480. PMID: 27914193; PMCID: Hospital for seven years. She
for the individual to be truly listened to, PMC5136126. moved to London in 2016 where
without agenda, motive or judgement. she now works as a Quality
5. Dyer,Wyne,Dr. 2004.The invisible force,
I am passionate about the value that Manager and Executive Coach
Hay house, Singapore.
coaching can bring – first and foremost at the Royal Brompton and
to the individual, and therefore also to 6.
https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-
Harefield NHS Hospitals. She also
the organisation. Regardless of who I am effectively-articles/instill-coaching-
runs her own private coaching
coaching in what organisation, what I want culture/
business. You can contact her at
most for the coachee is for them to be 7. Dyrbye LN, Shanafelt TD, Gill PR, denisehennesseycoaching@gmail.
heard, to be the person they truly are and Satele DV, West CP. Effect of a com or visit her website
therefore to thrive, both personally and Professional Coaching Intervention www.denisehennesseycoaching.com
professionally. on the Well-being and Distress of
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Spring 2022 • converse • 17academy
feature My Medical Science Career
Dr Catherine Ludden,
Director of Operations, COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium
I am a medical scientist who has spent more than a decade immersed in post-
graduate training in microbiology, molecular biology and genomics. Before COVID-19
erupted into the world, my career path was aimed towards what would be seen as the
traditional academic trajectory – I had completed my degree, gained a PhD, achieved
a Postdoctoral fellowship and had the future ambition of professor. But then in March
2020, I got a phone call that changed everything.
The early career plan and the network of colleagues and friends March 2020, I got a phone call that changed
Pathogens are endlessly fascinating and I created and applied for a postdoctoral everything. I heard the words ‘Are you in
I could have happily spent many a year position at the University of Cambridge. That Cambridge? Can you help?’ The pandemic
dedicating myself to delving deeper and was when I really got into genomics. I started had just been declared and I realised the
deeper into the mechanics of how they to learn bioinformatics and sequencing global implications it would have on public
evolve and spread. This was my chosen techniques, knowing that I had a lot to catch health. I didn’t know exactly at the time what
career path. And like many others, I spent up on. To me, it was just another challenge I would be doing, but I was keen to help
considerable time and energy in forging it. and I was excited to learn and start and quickly agreed to join the COVID-19
I studied Medical Science at Galway-Mayo analysing genomes. I felt privileged to be Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK) team.
Institute of Technology, especially enjoying working in the home of genome sequencing With my previous experience in medical
the module in Medical Microbiology. I and I remember the thrill I felt when I created science, genomics and epidemiology, I was
was captivated by microorganisms - their my first phylogenetic trees to track the asked to build and lead a team responsible
diversity in growth, shape and size. The spread of infections. These were tools I had for sequencing COVID-19 samples and
field was evolving with new organisms dreamt about using, but I had limited access tracking the evolution of the virus. As Director
being discovered and better techniques to previously. of Operations, I knew I had to learn quick,
being implemented for rapid detection. That I was awarded a Sir Henry Wellcome think fast and motivate others. I felt that I had
constant change appealed to me and I knew Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2016 which been catapulted into a major leadership role,
there was more to discover beyond what I extended my knowledge and expertise but I didn’t even have time to be scared. I
could see under the microscope. in One Health genomic approaches to believe that everyone has leadership qualities
Even though my Batchelors degree in the spread of antimicrobial resistance. within them; we need to put fear aside,
Medical Science was designed to provide Using a One Health approach, I collected believe in ourselves, get on with the job
the skills required to work in hospital and sequenced samples from livestock, ahead and learn as we go along.
laboratories to diagnose clinical disease and wastewater and hospital patients. This COG-UK performed sequencing and
monitor therapy, by chance I was one of just meant working with a wide variety of analysis of SARS-CoV-2 samples across
two students in my year who was placed people – farmers, veterinarians, wastewater the four National Public Health Agencies
in a research lab for my final year 12-week specialists, healthcare staff, scientists and of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern
project. At the time, I felt out of my depth patients. I applied the power of genomics Ireland. This data helped inform the
with overly long gene names and performing to identify transmission routes and used evolution of different variants of SARS-
research techniques that I had only ever this knowledge to demonstrate effective CoV-2 and how those different variants
read about in textbooks. However, I soon interventions to minimise the spread of have spread across the nations. With mass
discovered that I really enjoyed applying infection. testing this was not a simple feat, with
these research techniques to microbiology. During my fellowship, I took a six-month much consideration taken into identifying
I became engrossed in antibiotic resistance secondment at the European Centre for the most urgent samples required to be
and available research tools, and wanting Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) sequenced, including those from vulnerable
to know more about how I could track the in Sweden. While working at ECDC, I populations, healthcare workers and
spread of resistance. provided scientific and technical expertise participants in vaccine trials, all of which
During a year of travelling, I saw a PhD for the analysis and interpretation of have direct public health implications.
advertised at the National University of European genome datasets and supported While sequencing was performed, COG-
Ireland Galway and I decided to submit international outbreak investigations UK also worked tirelessly on developing
an application to research the spread of of antibiotic-resistant infections. I was sequencing methods and analytical tools to
antimicrobial resistant infections in nursing chairing teleconferences with public health be used worldwide, and tracking mutations
homes. I felt that such a PhD project would professionals from numerous countries that could potentially result in more severe
combine my various interests - I’d been discussing how best we could share, disease, reduce vaccine efficacy and the
eager to improve the health of the elderly analyse and report outbreak data. I didn’t accuracy of diagnostic tests. With changes
after growing up surrounded by elderly realise it at the time, but this expertise would in protocols, improvements in capacity and
relatives, and I really wanted to understand turn out to be an invaluable introduction to through continual monitoring of reporting
how infections were spreading in this what was yet to come with the pandemic. data,turnaround times for sequencing were
population so I could try help improve their reduced and coverage of SARS-CoV-2
quality of life. A change in direction increased dramatically across the UK. These
In 2014 after completing my PhD, I In January 2020, I returned to the UK to targets were achieved while working with
decided to leave my comfort zone of Ireland resume my research fellowship. But then in healthcare organisations that were under
18 • converse • Spring 2022You can also read
