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University of Exeter Medical School

Practical Placement 2

Module titlePractical Placement 2
Module codePAM2006
Academic year2023/4
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Abasiama Dick Obotiba (Convenor)

Miss Robyn Lane (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

0

15

0

Number students taking module (anticipated)

70

Module description

Building on PAM1007 Practice Placement 1, this module provides further practical experience of the safe and effective practice of general and fluoroscopic imaging. It introduces you to interventional radiography and other imaging modalities. You will develop your patient-care skills and learn to handle more complex situations. You will develop your role within the imaging department and learn to identify 'professional' and 'management' issues and understand how these are inter-related within the inter-professional context.

The University defines academic credit in terms of workload, with one credit being equal to a notional 10 hours of learning. However, due to the amount of time required for a clinical placement, and the fact that the placement necessarily runs outside of standard university terms, this approach cannot be followed for placement modules in radiography. Therefore, the hours given are a closer reflection of the amount of time spent on placement, although they should still be considered indicative.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module will equip you with increasingly complex radiographic skills to enable you to undertake examinations on patients who have complex needs or require adaptation of techniques.  You will also gain practical experience in computed tomography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.  Through successful completion of this module, you will gain an appreciation and understanding of the needs of patients along with legal, professional and ethical aspects of radiographic practice.  You will gain an understanding of the relative roles of all common modalities within the field of medical imaging.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Practice safely and effectively within the scope of this placement, demonstrating proficiency in equipment handling, infection control, radiographic positioning, patient immobilisation, manual handling, optimal exposure selection and image acquisition across all patient age groups.
  • 2. Under guidance, care for and communicate with patients of all ages and abilities appropriately, demonstrating a duty of care and awareness of legal and ethical professional boundaries including confidentiality.
  • 3. Describe and implement radiation protection measures (including patient identification, interpreting referral information, and ensuring appropriate use of medical imaging).
  • 4. Evaluate medical images encountered within the scope of this placement using a recognised methodology, identifying normal, developmental and anatomical variant anatomy, assessing image quality and taking corrective action, using abnormality alerts as per departmental protocol.
  • 5. Demonstrate the ability to assess, monitor and care for patients, before during and after medical imaging procedures, and be able to recognise the deteriorating patient and have the skills and knowledge to undertake basic life support.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 6. Demonstrate ability to further develop skills and knowledge by reflecting on clinical experience and identifying personal strengths and areas for further learning.
  • 7. Maintain accurate records, meeting professional requirements, as well continuing a personal and professional portfolio as a basis for future CPD.
  • 8. Contribute positively to the placement department, working in partnership with service users, work effectively with other professions and professionals, support staff and others, ensure effective management of caseload and resources.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 9. Comply with the Code of Practice for Clinical Placements
  • 10. Participate actively in clinical tutorials whilst on placement

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

Refer to the Handbook section http://uemsvle.exeter.ac.uk/ext/mihb/index.php for detailed aims and objectives for each placement area. The time spent on each placement area is shown in square brackets.

Pre-clinical Preparation

Codes of Conduct.

Introduction to clinical placement documentation.

General (Including Dental) and/or A & E Room [6 weeks]

Standard positioning and departmental protocols.

Assessment of radiographs, modification of exposure factors and technique.

Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology and participate in red-dot schemes or Preliminary Clinical Evaluation (PCE) as applicable.

Identify the need for additional views and modification of technique in trauma.

Perform radiographs on a full range of patient types, including paediatrics, elderly, infirm and trauma patients.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.

Out of Hours Work [5 Shifts]

Standard positioning and departmental protocols.

Assessment of radiographs, modification of exposure factors and technique.

Identify the need for additional views and modification of technique in trauma.

Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology and participate in red-dot schemes or Preliminary Clinical Evaluation (PCE) as applicable.

Perform radiographs on a full range of patient types, including paediatrics, elderly, infirm and trauma patients.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.

Mobiles and Theatres [3 weeks]

Standard positioning and departmental protocols.

Assessment of radiographs, modification of exposure factors and technique.

Identification of normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology.

Radiation protection in wards and in theatre.

The principles of a sterile environment.

Develop role towards leading the interaction with ward- and theatre-staff and the imaging of the patient.

Gain experience in interprofessional working environments, including shadowing with staff from other professions.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.


Fluoroscopy Room and/or interventional Room [1 week]

Use of contrast media.

Standard positioning and departmental protocols for fluoroscopic studies.

Assessment of radiographs, modification of exposure factors and technique.

Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology.

Identify the need for additional views.

Observe a range of interventional procedures, including cardiac, neurological and angiographic examinations and procedures.

Participate as a member of the inter-professional team.

Identification of interventional treatment techniques.

Radiation protection in a high-dose environment.

The principles of a sterile environment and infection control.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.

 


Computed Tomography [2 weeks]

Standard positioning and departmental protocols.

Modification of technique and exposure factors.

Use of contrast media.

Image processing and manipulation.

Identify normal, normal-variant cross-sectional anatomy and pathology.
Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.


Modality: (Nuc Med/US/ Mammo/Dental) [1 week]
For Example:
Ultrasound [0.5 weeks]: Standard departmental scanning protocols and techniques for obstetric and non-obstetric ultrasound.

Use of ultrasound equipment to perform measurements of anatomy and pathologies.

Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to patient care and communication.


Nuclear Medicine [0.5 weeks]

Standard positioning and departmental protocols for a range of planar and cross-sectional imaging.

Use of different isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for imaging.

Image processing and manipulation.

Identify normal, normal-variant planar and cross-sectional anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.

Awareness of different radiation protection issues associated with open sources of radiation.


Magnetic Resonance Imaging [1 week]

Standard positioning and departmental protocols.

Use of contrast media.

Image processing and manipulation.

Identify normal, normal-variant cross-sectional anatomy and pathology

Particular attention to the safety issues associated with the use of strong magnetic fields for imaging.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to patient care and communication.


Simulation Activities [1.5 hours per week]

Students will be required to complete self directed learning which will build on simulated activities introduced in their stage 1 placement. Tasks will involve the production and evaluation of more advanced projectional radiography, also incorporating evidence based practice.

Time For Dementia

Students are expected to continue with their commitments to Time For Dementia and time spent participating with this during the placement period will go towards their placement attendance.

 

 

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
3831.5420

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities1Pre-clinical Preparation
Placement420Placement learning
Scheduled learning and teaching activities1 Tutorial support prior to placement
Scheduled learning and teaching activities14 Tutorial support on placement
Guided independent study31.5Reading week
Scheduled learning and teaching activities21University provided supplementary placement activities (simulated learning activities). 1.5 hours per week for 14 weeks.
Scheduled learning and teaching activities1Tutorial support post placement

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
00100

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Clinical - modified examination*151 hour1-10Written and oral
Clinical – CT head with contrast agent*151 hour1-10Written and oral
Clinical - mobile chest x-ray*151 hour1-10Written and oral
Image evaluation (computer based) *2030 minutes1, 3-4Computer generated feedback
Portfolio and viva voce3530 minutes (viva)1-10Written and oral
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Clinical - modified examination* (15%), 1 hourClinical - modified examination1-10during clinical recovery period’
Clinical – CT head with contrast agent* , (15%) , 1 hourClinical – CT head with contrast agent 1-10during clinical recovery period
Clinical - mobile chest x-ray*, (15%), 1 hourClinical - mobile chest x-ray 1-10during clinical recovery period
Image evaluation (computer based)*, (20%), 30 minImage evaluation1, 3-4August/September assessment period
Portfolio and viva voce (35%), 30 mins (viva)Portfolio and viva voce 1-10August/September assessment period

Re-assessment notes

All assessments marked with * must be passed due to the PSRB and contractual requirements. If these assessments are not passed, the module mark will be capped at 39.

For clinical assessment two attempts are permitted during normal placement time. In the event that the second attempt is not passed, a third attempt is permitted but must be undertaken during an additional period of clinical placement (clinical recovery).

As it is a contractual and legal requirement to complete the mandatory training prior to placements, it is not possible to offer a reassessment opportunity for this. If you have mitigating circumstances, you may be given an opportunity to interrupt your studies and complete the mandatory assessment at the next opportunity.

See  Medical Imaging Assessment Conventions published in the Medical Imaging handbook https://uemsvle.exeter.ac.uk/ext/mihb/index.php

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

  • Raby N. (2014), Accident and Emergency Radiology - A Survival Guide (3rd edition), Saunders Ltd, ISBN 9780702042324

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

  • Bontrager K.L. (2017), Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy (9th edition), Mosby, ISBN 0323481876
  • Whitley AS, Jefferson G, Holmes K, Hoadley G, Sloane C, Anderson C. (2015) Clark's Positioning in Radiography (13th edition). CRC Press, London. ISBN 9781444122350
  • Johns C. (2013), Becoming a Reflective Practitioner (4th edition), Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 9780470674260
  • Society and College of Radiographers (2013), Code of Professional Conduct, Society and College of Radiographers, ISBN 978-1-906225-39-1
  • Society and College of Radiographers (2018), Obtaining consent: a clinical guideline for the diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy workforce, Society and College of Radiographers, ISBN 978-1-909802-18-6

Key words search

Medical   Imaging,   Imaging,   Patient,   Radiations,   Anatomy,   Care,   Protection,   Pathologies,   Particular   Attention,   Variant, Radiographers.

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

PAM1007

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

5

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/09/2004

Last revision date

25/10/2023