University of Exeter Medical School

Dr Christine Heales

Dr Christine Heales

Senior Lecturer in Medical Imaging

 c.j.heales@exeter.ac.uk

 01392 72 5044

 South Cloisters 1.32

 

South Cloisters, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Overview

I re-joined the Medical Imaging team at the University of Exeter in 2018, having been Principal Radiographer for a number of years for a MRI department within the South West region.

I have had a varied career as a diagnostic radiographer, ultimately specialising in MRI, and have held roles that included clinical practice, management and leadership. I have been employed in a variety of settings including the NHS and the independent sector as well as academia.

Qualifications

PgC Clinical Reporting (MRI) – Canterbury University, awarded 2012

PhD (Physics) – University of Exeter, awarded 2009

PgC (Academic Practice) – University of Exeter, awarded 2005.

PgC (MRI) – St Martin’s College, Lancaster, awarded 2003.

MSc (Medical Imaging) - University of Portsmouth, awarded 1997.

Diploma of the College of Radiographers (Diagnostic) awarded 1992.

Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (November 2022)

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (December 2007)

Links

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Research

Research projects

Exeter Education Incubator Fellow 2020-2021.  Project title: Engaging students in the use of progress testing to enable deep learning.

Exeter Education Incubator Fellow 2021-2022. Project title: Exploring the potential of 3D virtual reality (VR) as part of a blended learning approach to teaching clinical skills to student radiographers

ASRT Foundation 2020-2023. International Colloborative Clinical Research Grant. Project title: Use of intravoxel incohorent motion to assess multiple sclerosis lesions without the use of gadolinium based contrast media.

Innovate UK 2023-25. Project title: Improving Service Access Using Virtual Exposure (iSAVE)

CoRIPS 2023-2024. Project title: Experiences and Attitudes; living in a larger body and radiographic services

NIHR Exeter BRC Small Project Grant 2024-25. Project title: A proof-of-concept feasibility study to assess the possibility of undertaking kinetic MR imaging to measure intervertebral spinal motion.

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Publications

Journal articles

Johnson B, Heales C (In Press). Evaluation of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion in the Spinal Cord of Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Radiologic technology
Hudson D, Heales C (In Press). I think this could be a big success; a mixed methods study on Practitioner Perspectives on the Acceptance of a Virtual Reality tool for Preparation in MRI. Radiography
Green D, Heales C (In Press). Progress Testing: an educational perspective exploring the rationale for progress testing and its introduction into a Diagnostic Radiography curriculum. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Jenson J, Blackburn P, Gale N, Senior C, Woznitza N, Heales C, Roland V Pederson M (In Press). Reporting radiographers within the European Federation of Radiographer Society (EFRS) member countries - Motivation for becoming a reporting radiographer. Radiography
Grocutt H, Davies R, Heales C (In Press). Ultrasound compared with projection radiography for the detection of soft tissue foreign bodies – a technical note. Radiography
Al-shaari H, Fulford J, Heales CJ (2024). Diffusion tensor imaging within the healthy cervical spinal cord: Within- participants reliability and measurement error. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 109, 56-66.
Johnson B, Heales C (2024). Evaluation of IVIM in the Spinal Cord of Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Radiol Technol, 95(4), 248-255. Abstract.  Author URL.
Pedersen MRV, Jensen J, Gale N, Senior C, Woznitza N, Heales CJ (2024). Reporting radiographers in Europe survey: Support, role satisfaction, and advanced clinical practice within the European federation of radiographer society (EFRS) member countries. Radiography, 30(1), 87-94.
Hudson DM, Evans MBE R, Heales C (2023). Journey to the Center of the Bore: a Service Evaluation of the Patient Experience in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Journal of Radiology Nursing, 42(3), 296-304.
Pedersen MRV, Jensen J, Senior C, Gale N, Heales CJ, Woznitza N (2023). Reporting radiographers in Europe survey: an overview of the role within the European Federation of Radiographer Society (EFRS) member countries. Radiography, 29(6), 1100-1107.
Sayed M, Knapp KM, Fulford J, Heales C, Alqahtani SJ (2023). The principles and effectiveness of X-ray scatter correction software for diagnostic X-ray imaging: a scoping review. European Journal of Radiology, 158, 110600-110600.
Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Meertens R, Heales C (2022). A systematic review of repeatability and reproducibility studies of diffusion tensor imaging of cervical spinal cord. British Journal of Radiology
Green D, Heales CJ, Hughes D, Marsden A, Mills JA (2022). Exploring current undergraduate student perspectives on the introduction of the degree apprenticeship scheme in diagnostic radiography – a single institution study. Radiography, 28(4), 1058-1063.
Heales CJ, Lloyd E (2022). Play simulation for children in magnetic resonance imaging. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 53(1), 10-16.
Hudson DM, Heales C, Vine SJ (2022). Radiographer Perspectives on current occurrence and management of claustrophobia in MRI. Radiography, 28(1), 154-161.
Hudson DM, Heales C, Meertens R (2022). Review of claustrophobia incidence in MRI: a service evaluation of current rates across a multi-centre service. Radiography, 28(3), 780-787.
Hudson DM, Heales C, Vine SJ (2022). Scoping review: How is virtual reality being used as a tool to support the experience of undergoing Magnetic resonance imaging?. Radiography, 28(1), 199-207.
Atkins JL, Pilling LC, Heales CJ, Savage S, Kuo C-L, Kuchel GA, Steffens DC, Melzer D (2021). Hemochromatosis Mutations, Brain Iron Imaging, and Dementia in the UK Biobank Cohort. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 79(3), 1203-1211. Abstract.
Heales CJ, Mills K, Ladd E (2021). Radiographer advanced and consultant practice and community diagnostic hubs – a vision for the future. Radiography, 27, S28-S33.
Melzer D, Atkins JL, Pilling LC, Heales CJ, Savage S, Kuo C-L, Kuchel GA, Steffens DC (2020). Hemochromatosis mutations, dementia and brain iron deposition: a prospective cohort study. Abstract.
Heales CJ, Summers IR, Fulford J, Knapp K, Winlove CP (2019). Investigation of changes in bone density and chemical composition associated with bone marrow oedema-type appearances in magnetic resonance images of the equine forelimb. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 20, 330-330.

Chapters

Hudson D, Heales C (2024). Chapter 14: MRI: Understanding and enhancing the patient journey. In  (Ed) Person-Centred Care in Radiology International Perspectives on High-Quality Care, CRC Press. Abstract.
Hudson D, Heales C (2024). Chapter 65: Virtual Reality and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Anxious or Claustrophobic Patients: an Emerging Solution to a Longstanding Challenge?. In  (Ed) Emerging Technologies in Healthcare Interpersonal and Client Based Perspectives, CRC Press. Abstract.

Conferences

Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Heales C (2024). Assessment of the reliability of radial diffusivity in different spinal cord regions using diffusion tensor imaging. European Congress of Radiology. 28th Feb - 3rd Mar 2024.
Johnson B, Heales C (2024). Evaluation of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion in the Spinal Cord of Multiple Sclerosis Patients. International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. 4th - 9th May 2024.
Sayed M, Knapp K, Fulford J, Heales C, Alqahtani S, Rimes S, Moffat D (2024). Improvement of image quality by applying scatter correction software for grid-less lumbar spine radiography. European Congress of Radiology. 28th Feb - 3rd Mar 2024.
Manning F, Hancock A, Heales C (2024). ‘oooh we may struggle here due to your size’: Experiences of Patients with Larger Bodies in Radiography. European Congress of Radiology. 28th Feb - 3rd Mar 2024.
Clarke L, Heales C, Green D (2023). Assessment of clinical competence -- current tools and future directions. UK Imaging & Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Clarke L, Heales C, Green D (2023). Clinical competency: What is it, how is it defined and why does this matter?. UK Imaging & Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Heales C, Green D (2023). Degree apprenticeships in diagnostic radiography - experiences and perspectives three years in. UK Imaging & Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Sayed M, Knapp K, Fulford J, Heales C, Saeed A, Rimes S, Moffatt D (2023). Evaluation of dose reduction potential of a scatter correction software for AP lumbar spine X-Ray imaging. UK Imaging and Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Heales C, Politis M (2023). Evaluation of the reliability agreement of different spinal cord regions using diffusion tensor imaging, particularly the fractional anisotropy (FA). European Congress of Radiology. 1st - 5th Mar 2023.
Johnson B, Heales C (2023). Incoherent intravoxel motion - a sequence of interest in the MR Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis in the spinal cord. UK Imaging & Oncology. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Hudson D, Heales C (2023). Radiographer acceptance of a virtual reality tool for patients prior to MRI. UK Imaging and Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Hudson D, Heales C (2023). Ready patient one: Could a virtual experience help as a preparatory tool prior to MRI scanning?. UK Imaging & Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Heales C, Bansfield L, Green D, Shepherd J (2023). The HCPC Standards of Proficiency are changing -- what does this mean in practice?. UK Imaging & Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Heales C, Politis M (2023). The reliability and measurement error of magnetization transfer imaging within the healthy cervical spinal cord. UK Imaging & Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Heales C, Politis M (2023). The within-subjects reliability assessment of mean diffusivity (MD) of the cervical spinal cord. European Congress of Radiology. 1st - 5th Mar 2023.
Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Heales C, Politis M (2023). The within-subjects reliability of fractional anisotropy (FA) in the cervical spinal cord of control participants. UK Imaging & Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Heales C, Politis M (2023). Within-subject variability evaluation, between two visits, for the mean diffusivity of the healthy cervical spinal cord. UK Imaging & Oncology Congress. 5th - 7th Jun 2023.
Tam W, Heales C (2023). Words Matter – an Audit on Vertebral Fracture Report Terminology and Onward Referral in MRI of the Spine. European Society of Radiology: ECR. 28th Feb - 2nd May 2023.
Heales C, Sargent K (2022). Early experiences of the development and use of a Virtual Reality Environment to prepare patients for MR Imaging. UK Imaging & Oncology. 4th - 6th Jul 2022.
Atkins JL, Pilling LC, Heales CJ, Savage S, Kuo C-L, Kuchel GA, Steffens DC, Melzer D (2022). Hereditary haemochromatosis mutations, brain iron imaging and dementia risk in the UK Biobank cohort.  Author URL.
Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Heales C, Politis M (2022). Is Mean Diffusivity of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in assessment the cervical spinal cord reproducible?. UK Imaging and Oncology. 4th - 6th Jul 2022.
Al-Shaari H, Fulford J, Heales C, Politis M (2022). Reproducibility studies of Fractional Anisotropy measurement of cervical spinal cord: a systematic review. European Congress of Radiology. 13th - 17th Jul 2022.
Corin K, Heales C, Jack A (2022). Service Evaluation of a one-stop lumbar spine pathway:. From referral to nerve root block via MRI. UK Imaging and Oncology. 4th - 6th Jul 2022.
Rodrigues L, Knapp K, Meakin J, Heales C, Alqahtani A, Gill M, Haji Abdullah Z, Vilela-Mansell C, Ding C (2022). Trabecular bone score (TBS) role in fracture risk assessment. European Congress of Radiology. 13th - 17th Jul 2022. Abstract.
Sayed M, Knapp K, Fulford J, Heales C, Alqahtani S, Rimes S, Moffatt D (2022). Virtual grid software for scatter correction to improve image quality and reduce radiation dose, assessed using a TOR CDR image quality phantom. UK Imaging & Oncology. 4th - 6th Jul 2022. Abstract.
Sayed M, Knapp K, Fulford J, Heales C, Alqahtani S, Rimes S, Moffatt D, Najaran SA (2022). X-ray scatter correction software for improving image quality and reducing radiation dose in large anatomical regions. European Congress of Radiology. 13th - 17th Jul 2022. Abstract.
Sayed M, Knapp K, Fulford J, Heales C, Alqhatani S (2022). X-ray scatter correction software studies for diagnostic X-ray imaging. UK Imaging & Oncology. 4th - 6th Jul 2022. Abstract.
Heales C, Green D (2021). Clinical Placement Capacity and the Degree Apprenticeship in Diagnostic Radiography. Health Education England: Quality - Good Practice Event (South West). 5th - 5th May 2021. Abstract.
Heales C, Green D (2021). Experiences from the first year of delivery; the degree apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography. UKIO Congress 2021. 7th - 25th Jun 2021. Abstract.
Heales C, Green D, Gillett A (2021). Introducing Progress Testing into a pre-registration radiography degree apprenticeship programme. UKIO Congress 2021. 7th - 25th Jun 2021. Abstract.
Kemp L, May K, Smith-Harris N, Heales C (2021). Patient preparedness for MRI - an evaluation of the perceptions of different resource types. UKIO Congress 2021. 7th - 25th Jun 2021. Abstract.
Heales C, Green D, Gillett A (2021). Progress Testing: Engaging apprentices radiographers with this method of assessment. UKIO Congress 2021. 7th - 25th Jun 2021. Abstract.
Green D, Heales C (2021). Student perceptions and feelings towards progress testing in radiography. Enhancing Student Learning Through Innovative Scholarship. 10th - 10th Sep 2021. Abstract.
Mills J, Heales C (2020). Degree apprenticeships – the whys and the wherefores in diagnostic radiography. UK Imaging and Oncology Congress 2020. 1st - 3rd Jun 2020. Abstract.
Peters-Cheale P, Hoade L, Heales C, Knapp K (2020). Scope and indications of lumbar spine radiography for lower back pain in the South West. UKIO 2020. 29th Jun - 31st Jul 2020. Abstract.
Heales C, Green D (2020). The degree apprenticeship route into diagnostic radiography: Implications for the workplace. UK Imaging and Oncology Congress. 1st - 3rd Jun 2020. Abstract.
Ashton L, Fulford J, McAnulla S, Knapp KM, Heales C, Silver D, Williams CA (2017). The incidence of bone marrow oedema in asymptomatic adolescent footballers - an observational study. Abstract.
Mills J, Heales C, Stuckey C, Nicholson D (2017). Using Safety Culture Organisational Reliability and Engagement (SCORE) Survey to Evaluate Safety Culture in Radiology. UK Radiological Congress. 12th - 14th Jun 2017. Abstract.
Willis S, Burnett S, Crompton S, Hiley A, Lynch S, Heales C (2010). Infection Control: Are We Preparing Our Workforce?. UK Radiologica Congress. 7th - 9th Jun 2010. Abstract.
Collins H, Dupe R, Lennard Z, Heales C, Willis S (2010). Optimising cervical spine imaging with digital radiography for the trauma patient. United Kingdom Radiological Congress. 7th - 9th Jun 2010. Abstract.
Green L, Pickett N, Rendell L, Knapp K, Summers I, Heales C (2009). An investigation of the inter-operator precision associated with two different methods of ultrasound quality assurance. UK Radiological Congress. 8th - 10th Jun 2009.
Knapp KM, Green L, Pickett N, Rendell L, Summers IR, Heales CJ (2009). An investigation of the inter-operator precision associated with two different methods of ultrasound quality assurance. 8th - 10th Jun 2009. Abstract.
Green L, Pickett N, Rendell L, Knapp K, Summers I, Heales C (2009). An investigation of the sensitivity of two ultrasound quality assurance systems to changes in probe performance. UK Radiological Congress. 8th Oct - 10th Jun 2009.
Knapp KM, Green L, Pickett N, Rendell L, Summers IR, Heales CJ (2009). An investigation of the sensitivity of two ultrasound quality assurance systems to changes in probe performance. Abstract.
Willis S, Heales C (2009). Can Reflective Practice Promote an Interprofessional Ethos at Undergraduate Level?. International Networking for Education in Healthcare Conference. 8th - 10th Sep 2009. Abstract.
Willis S, Vanstone C, Dobrijevic J, Heales C (2009). Can They Learn Together? Moving Beyond Traditional Boundaries and Engaging in Work Shadowing. International Networking for Education in Healthcare Conference. 8th - 10th Sep 2009. Abstract.
Willis S, Heales CJ, Knapp K (2009). Can the Use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) promote students’ preparedness to practice?. Meeting the Challenge of Education and Research Today; a Conference for Health and Social Care Academics. 7th - 7th Apr 2009. Abstract.
Willis S, Heales C, Cousens C, Iyengar S, Knapp K (2009). Is the teaching of skeletal image interpretation at undergraduate level effective in preparing students for practice?. UK Radiological Congress. 8th - 10th Jun 2009. Abstract.
Knapp KM, Willis SJ, Heales CJ, Cousens C, Iyengar S (2009). Is the teaching of skeletal image-interpretation at undergraduate level effective in preparing students for practice?. Abstract.
Heales C, Willis S (2009). Promoting collaboration through reflection. Edgehill Interprofessional Learning Conference. 1st - 1st Jun 2009. Abstract.
Green L, Pickett N, Rendell L, Summers I, Heales C (2009). The impact of ultrasound probe frequency on signal-to-noise, spatial resolution and working range. UK Radiological Congress. 8th Oct - 10th Jun 2009.
Heales C, Knapp K, Frost M, Patel R, Moore AEB, Spector T, Fogelman I (2008). Vertebral Fracture Assessment (Using DXA) is a Precise Method of Measuring Intervertebral Disc Height. 2nd Joint Meeting of the Bone Research Society and British Orthopaedic Research Society. 23rd - 25th Jun 2008.
Dell L, Gibbons C, Llewellyn K, Heales C (2007). Wedge filtration; Image Quality and Patient Dose Reduction in the Imaging of the Antero-Posterior Thoracic Spine. UK Radiological Congress. 11th - 13th Jun 2007.
Heales CJ, Knapp KM, Moore AEB, Blake GM, Swaminathan R, Fogelman I (2006). Current pain and the visual analogue scale as a predictor of quality of life in individuals with osteoporosis.  Author URL.
Heales C, Knapp K, Moore AEB, Frost ML, Patel R, Blake GM (2006). Quality of life and current pain levels are associated with fracture rather than with osteoporosis.  Author URL.

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External Engagement and Impact

Awards

The College of Radiographers' Beth Whittaker Prize for the best poster by a radiographer at UKIO 2022 (Heales C, Sargent K (2022). Early experiences of the development and use of a Virtual Reality Environment to prepare patients for MR Imaging. UK Imaging & Oncology. 4th - 6th Jul 2022.)

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences' Editors Choice: Top 5 Articles of the Year for 2022 (Heales C, Lloyd E, (2022). Clinical perspective: Play simulation in children in magnetic resonance imaging. 53, 10-16)

Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences' Editors Choice: Educational Perspective (Green D, Heales C, (2023). Progress testing: An educational perspective exploring the rationale for progress testing and its introduction into a Diagnostic Radiography curriculum. 54 (1), 35-42)


External Examiner Positions

University of West London: Doctor of Health Services Delivery, Doctor of Midwifery, Doctor of Nursing, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Crime and Security (2023 - on-going)

City, University of London: Postgraduate CT and MRI (2018 - 2023)


External positions

Approval and Accreditation Assessor for the Society and College of Radiographers

Member of the MR Advisory Group, Society and College of Radiographers

Member of EFRS - ESMRMB MRI Radiographers Working Group

Invited Reviewer for ‘Radiography’ journal

British Institute of Radiology Expert Panel - MRI Essentials Video Course


Invited lectures

Eden Learning (MRI)

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Office Hours:

Working Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (although this may vary depending on departmental requirements).

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