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University of Exeter Medical School

Practice Foundations 2

Module titlePractice Foundations 2
Module codeRAD2003DA
Academic year2020/1
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Christine Heales (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

Please see note below

Number students taking module (anticipated)

36

Module description

Please note that Degree Apprenticeship programmes have variable start dates and modules are taught across the full year. 

This module provides a practical learning environment in which you will apply theory in practice. In this module you will experience clinical and technical aspects involved in a range of modalities including both ionising and non-ionising radiation. You will learn about safe practice and the use of contrast media in these areas. You will also learn about common pathologies encountered in the clinical environment and the relative roles of the various modalities for demonstrating these conditions. 

The module commences with an attendance block at the University of Exeter with an emphasis on face-to-face learning. The module then runs over a 12 month period with two further block attendances across the year for further face-to-face learning. In the non-block weeks there will be protected ‘off the job’ learning (one day (7.5 hours) per week) supported by e-learning materials provided by the academic team. The full calendar of activities and assessment will be made available via the handbook. Annual leave may be booked in accordance with the requirements laid out in the handbook.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this work-based module is to enable you to develop knowledge of the essential applied science and technology that underpins medical imaging modalities in the practice setting. 

This work based module provides practical experiences that will directly support the further development of your underpinning knowledge base. You will apply the theoretical knowledge you are gaining in RAD2001DA and RAD2002DA within the practice setting. You will apply the physics knowledge so as to understand the wide range of modalities used in medical imaging, including equipment and room design and safe practice. You will learn how quality assurance processes are used to ensure safe practice. You will apply your knowledge of pathology to identify common abnormalities on medical images and will gain understanding of comparative imaging. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

  • 1. Explain systems and processes in place to ensure acceptably functioning equipment and quality management in imaging departments.
  • 2. Explain equipment design and room layout for DXA, dental, mammography, MRI, RNI, US, CT
  • 3. Explain the scope of applications, constraints, and legislative framework for the use of both ionising and non-ionising radiation in medicine.
  • 4. Identify common pathologies as seen on medical images and understand how to escalate in case of unexpected findings
  • 5. Explain how to adapt level of patient care to patient need, including assessment of patient, and providing information at an appropriate level in a suitable format

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 identify strengths and areas for further learning.
  • 7. Use patient records from a range of sources to ensure appropriate choice of imaging.

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 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.
  • 9. Practice within limits of own competence seeking advice as appropriate, accepting responsibility for decisions made.
  • 10. With some guidance, solve problems using knowledge, experience and personal initiative.

Syllabus plan

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

 

It is expected that apprentices will undertake basic life support, manual handling, fire safety and other annual Trust requirements as part of their employment contract, and as such these requirements are not, therefore, stipulated here. As a condition of employment, apprentices must abide by their employers’ policies and procedures and as such this is not stipulated within the syllabus.

 

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

QA tests typically undertaken in for RNI, MRI, US and CT

Recognise when x-imaging equipment is not functioning accurately / within specification and take appropriate action

Role of audit and review in quality management including appropriate outcome measures

Participate in departmental audit and review (quality management)

Participate in reject analysis

 

EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

2D techniques – range of techniques, advantages, limitations, relative role and basic image evaluation

Dual energy x-ray absorption (DXA).

Fluoroscopy.

Mammography.

Dental

Interventional including treatment

3D techniques (ionising) – range of techniques, advantages, limitations, relative role and basic image evaluation

Computed Tomography (CT)

Other modalities - range of techniques, advantages, limitations, relative role and basic image evaluation

Radionuclide Imaging (RNI), 2D, 3D

Positron Emission Tomography (+/- CT)

Ultrasound

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

 

 

RADIATION PROTECTION AND SAFETY IN IMAGING MODALTIES

Potential hazards and the design, systems and governance in practice for safe working in all imaging modalities

 

RADIOGRAPHIC PATHOLOGY

Identify common pathologies on medical images found in practice

Process for escalation in case of unexpected findings

 

PATIENT CARE

Undertake and record patient assessment

Prepare and provide information about medical imaging procedures, in a range of formats, appropriate to the needs of a diverse patient population

 

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Reflection on clinical experience and identifying personal strengths and areas for further learning.

Reflection on own impact on others.

Begin a personal and professional portfolio as a basis for future CPD

 

INFORMATON AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Information and communication technologies available to view images, retrieve and record patient information

Patient history retrieval from a range of software applications and paper records (clinical records, prior imaging, test results and dose records) to ensure appropriate choice of imaging.

 

PROFESSIONALISM

Work in partnership with service users.

Work effectively with other professions and professionals, support staff and others.

 

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Practice within limits of own practice

Seek advice as appropriate.

 

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS.

Justification of decisions taken in relation whether to initiate, continue, modify or cease medical imaging examinations.

Resolution of problems by using knowledge, experience and personal initiative - under guidance

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
4839696

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities99 x 1 hour lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities93 x 3 hour practicals
Scheduled learning and teaching activities1010 x 1 hour tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities2020 x 1 hour e-learning resources
Guided independent study39Directed reading, private study and revision
Placement6962 x 7.5 hour days per week (minus leave, study blocks, assessment windows) as per placement guidance and contract with employer
This module is delivered as part of an integrated degree apprenticeship programme. The total required study hours for the programme have been designed in accordance with the ESFA regulations.

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Tutorial discussions 30 minutes1-10Oral
Practice computer based assessments (as part of e-learning activities)60 minutes4Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
05050

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Computer based assessment 1 (radiographic images)2590 minutes4Written
Computer based assessment 2 (radiographic images)2590 minutes4Written
Professional discussion of portfolio (Viva) 12530 minutes1-10Written
Professional discussion of portfolio (Viva) 22530 minutes1-10Written

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Computer based assessment 1 (radiographic images)Computer based assessment 1(radiographic images)(90 min)46 weeks after deferred assessment (January / February reassessment week)
Computer based assessment 2 (radiographic images)Computer based assessment 2 (radiographic images)(90 min)46 weeks after deferred assessment (January / February reassessment week)
Professional discussion of portfolio (Viva) 1Professional discussion of portfolio 1(Viva)(30 min)1-106 weeks after deferred assessment (January / February reassessment week)
Professional discussion of portfolio (Viva)Professional discussion of portfolio 2(Viva)(30 min)1-106 weeks after deferred assessment (January / February reassessment week)

Re-assessment notes

This programme runs to a non-standard timetable, assessment weeks and Assessment, Progression & Awarding Committees (APACs) for both initial and deferred assessments are held as per the programme’s published timetable.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

  • Carlton R.R. and Adler A.M. (2013), Radiographic Imaging Concepts and Principles (5th edition), Delmar, ISBN 1473720524
  • McQuillen Marten (2019) Radiographic Image Analysis 5th edition ISBN 978-0-323-52281-6
  • McQuillen Marten (2019) Radiographic Image Analysis workbook ISBN 978-0-323-54463-4

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

  • Carter C. and Veale B. (2013), Digital Radiography and PACS (2nd edition), Mosby Elsevier, ISBN 978-0323086448
  • Blake G., Wahner H.W. and Fogelman I. (1998), The Evaluation of Osteoporosis: Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in Clinical Practice (2nd edition), CRC Press, ISBN 978-1853174728
  • R Kowalczyk N. and Mace J.D. (2017), Radiographic Pathology for Technologists (7th edition), Mosby, ISBN 9780323675765, electronic version also available
  • Kim, E. (2012), Handbook of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging: principles and clinical applications, World Scientific, ISBN 9789814366236
  • Kremkau F.W. (2016), Sonography: Principles and Instruments (9th edition), Saunders, ISBN 978-0323322713
  • McRobbie D.W. et al. (2017), MRI from Picture to Proton (3rd edition), Cambridge University Press, ISBN 9781107706958
  • Powsner R.A. Palmer M.R. and Powsner E.R (2013), Essentials of Nuclear Medicine Physics (3rd edition)., Wiley Blackwell,  ISBN 978-0470905500
  • Society and College of Radiographers (2019), Safety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Society and College of Radiographers, ISBN 978-1-909802-31-5
  • Westbrook C. (2018), MRI in Practice (5th edition), Wiley Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-119-39196-8
  • Johns C. (2013), Becoming a Reflective Practitioner (4th edition), Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 9780470674260
  • Code of Professional Conduct, College of Radiographers (2013), Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/  
  • Principles for continuing professional development and lifelong learning in health and social care, Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/ 
  • Obtaining consent: a clinical guideline for the diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy workforce,  Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/  
  • Guidance on mental capacity decisions in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, Society and College of Radiographers https://www.sor.org/ 

Key words search

Medical Imaging; Image; Procedures; Interventional; Radiology; Control; Qualities; Detail; Interpretations; Technology. MRI US RNI

Credit value30
Module pre-requisites

RAD1001DA, RAD1002DA, RAD1003DA, RAD1004DA

Module co-requisites

RAD2001DA, RAD2002DA

NQF level (module)

5

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

06/06/2019

Last revision date

02/12/2020