Skip to main content

University of Exeter Medical School

Practice Placement 3

Module titlePractice Placement 3
Module codePAM3005
Academic year2020/1
Credits35
Module staff

Mrs Jenny Shepherd (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

18

Number students taking module (anticipated)

51

Module description

This module builds upon PAM2006 Practice Placement 2 to develop the full range of professional and technical skills required to meet the competence standards of Health and Care Professions Council registration requirements. Mandatory training is an integral part of this module and must be completed at the required time to avoid module failure.

Module aims - intentions of the module

During this third and final placement you will become an integral member of the multi-professional healthcare team: competent to deal with a full range of patients using a wide range of modalities. You will have responsibility for organising your working day and liaising with staff in other departments, and will gain experience of managing an inter-professional team.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

  • 1. Perform routine, and advanced, imaging and manual handling procedures in a safe and efficient manner;
  • 2. Demonstrate skill in radiographic positioning and image acquisition;
  • 3. Assess and interpret images, and anticipate potential image-quality problems arising from special circumstances and implement corrective action;
  • 4. Care for, and communicate with, patients appropriately;
  • 5. Describe and implement radiation protection measures, including instrument calibration and quality control;
  • 6. Discuss the effective dose equivalent associated with different imaging procedures and relate to risk/benefit judgements;
  • 7. Practice, and be able to explain the principles of, appropriate infection control;
  • 8. Identify and discuss applicable legal and ethical issues;
  • 9. Undertake radiographs and CT scans including supplementary views based on departmental protocols;
  • 10. Demonstrate the ability to modify radiographic technique as appropriate to the situation
  • 11. Deal with patients in difficult circumstances and undertake complex imaging procedures;
  • 12. Explain and apply the principles of exposure selection, image processing, viewing, image evaluation;
  • 13. Compare and contrast, for several imaging modalities, normal and normal-variant radiographic and cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, and pathology;
  • 14. Operate effectively as part of an inter-professional healthcare team;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

  • 15. Reflect on clinical experience, identify personal strengths and learning needs;
  • 16. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date log book of radiographic examinations undertaken;
  • 17. Synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of theory and practice;

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 18. Contribute positively to the placement department;
  • 19. Comply with the Code of Practice for Clinical Placements
  • 20. Participate actively in clinical tutorials whilst on placement;
  • 21. Develop and reflect on personal and professional portfolio as a basis for future CPD.

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  (June/July preceding placement)  

 Mandatory training in compliance with NHS requirements, including:  

 Immediate Life Support.  

 Mandatory e-learning modules.  

 Moving and Handling.  

 General 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 where appropriate 

 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.  

 Fluoroscopy Room [2 weeks]  

 Use of barium and iodine based contrast agents. 

 Standard positioning and departmental protocols.  

 Assessment of images, modification of exposure factors and technique. 

 Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology.  

 Identify the need for additional imaging.  

 Develop involvement, expanding your role as a student radiographer  

 Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection in a high dose environment, patient care and communication.  

 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.  

 Understanding of and adherence to the principles of a sterile environment and infection control procedures. 

 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.  

 Understanding of and adherence to the principles of a sterile environment and infection control.  

 Develop your role so you are leading the interaction with ward- and theatre-staff and the imaging of the patient 

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

 Computed Tomography [2 weeks]  

 Standard positioning and departmental protocols. 

 Use of contrast media  

 Participate as a member of the inter-professional team. 

 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.  

 Other Modalities  

 Ultrasound (1/2 week)  

 Standard departmental protocols 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.  

 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (1/2 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 this modality. 

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

 Nuclear Medicine (1/2 week)  

 Standard positioning, equipment 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.  

 Modalities/Specialties of the student's choice and depending on departmental availability (1 1/2 weeks).   

 This could include extra experience in a perceived area of weakness, or other areas of interest, or new modalities such as:  

 Positron Emission Tomography:  Standard positioning and department protocols 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 the use of positron emitters. 

 DXA:  Standard positioning and departmental protocols for the measurement of bone density; Image processing and manipulation; Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology; Identify artefacts affecting image processing and methods of rectification; Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication; awareness of the diagnosis criteria for osteoporosis and the impact of osteoporosis on the workload in an imaging department.  

 Mammography:  Standard positioning and departmental procedures; Assessment of mammograms, modification of exposure factors and technique; Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology; Identify the need for additional views; Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.  

 Out of Hours Shifts  (from within general weeks)  

 Gain experience in out of hours work by working, two nights and a minimum of five late 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 where appropriate. 

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.

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
3460256

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities17Pre-clinical Preparation - mandatory training
Scheduled learning and teaching activities11-hour prior to placement Tutorial support
Guided independent study256Placement learning. Attendance requirements as stated in placement paperwork.
Scheduled learning and teaching activities168x2-hour tutorials during placement
Self directed study60Case based report and revision of academic modules

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
60040

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Mandatory Training Completion (You must successfully complete this prior to commencing placement. This assessment must be passed; failure in this assessment will lead to failure in the module)0As required for completion. 1,8N/A
Coursework251000 words1-17Written
Clinical - multiple area101 hour1-14Written and oral
Clinical - Half-day room management session 10Half-day1-14Written and oral
Clinical - Theatre case101 hour1-14Written and oral
Image evaluation (computer based)2030 minutes3Computer generated feedback
Portfolio and viva voce2520 minutes (viva)1-21Written and oral

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
ClinicalClinical (10% each)1-14During April clinical recovery period
Coursework, image evaluation and viva voceCoursework image evaluation and viva voce1-19During August clinical recovery period (referral) or May assessment period (deferral)

Re-assessment notes

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. 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

  • Not applicable

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; Patient; Radiations; Protection; Anatomy; Pathologies; Protocols; Care.

Credit value35
Module ECTS

17.5

Module pre-requisites

PAM1007; PAM2006

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/09/2004

Last revision date

08/08/2019