Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE RAD3111

 
TITLE Clinical Imaging Practice 4: Computed Tomography (CT)

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 2

 
DEPARTMENT Radiography

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit is designed to encourage radiography students to apply and build on the theoretical knowledge gained in previous years, as well as develop relevant knowledge, skills and competencies in performing a non contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan.

For this study-unit, students will attend clinical practice in a CT unit under the supervision of a qualified radiographer. Students will be guided to learn and develop the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to perform a CT scan with minimal assistance from the supervising radiographer. In particular, students will be expected to be able to discuss relevant principles and concepts relating to the application of appropriate radiation safety principles, room preparation, protocol selection and set up, technique, communication and care when performing a non contrast enhanced CT.

An assessment of clinical competencies is conducted near the end of the clinical placement, whereby each student will be expected to demonstrate that they are knowledgeable, skilled and competent in performing a CT scan with minimal assistance from a qualified radiographer.

Study-Unit Aims:

The study-unit aims to allow students to further develop knowledge, skills and competencies acquired from previous clinical imaging practice units and achieve competency level 3 in carrying out a CT scan. In particular, the study-unit will seek to encourage:

- Familiarity with the standard operating procedures and policies that need to be considered and adhered to when performing a non contrast enhanced CT scan;
- The application of radiation safety and physics principles into clinical CT practice;
- The review of the validity and justification of CT imaging referrals;
- The development of knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform and evaluate CT examinations in line with established protocols and procedures; and
- Consideration to best practice standards/recommendations so as to ensure optimal patient and staff safety as well as enhanced patient-centred care.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Continue to meet all learning outcomes from previous Clinical Imaging Practice study-units;
- Explain standard operating procedures and policies that need to be considered and adhered to when performing CT examinations;
- Describe radiation safety and radiation physics principles and how they can be applied in practice when performing CT examinations;
- Perform a routine non contrast enhanced CT examination with minimal assistance from the supervising radiographer;
- Explain relevant considerations as applicable to the needs of different patient groups, such as checking for pregnancy, renal function, and possibility of any previous adverse reactions to contrast media;
- Evaluate and critique CT images;
- Identify cross-sectional anatomical structures on CT.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Reach competency level 3 by carrying out non contrast enhanced CT examination procedures while being supervised by a qualified radiographer; including:
- Retrieving CT imaging requests from the Radiology Information System (RIS);
- Evaluate and determine the validity and justification of CT imaging requests based on the clinical information provided;
- Assess clinical details and check renal function in preparation for possible need for the intravenous administration of contrast media;
- Choose appropriate CT protocol and adapt relevant parameters in line with the clinical question/s being asked;
- Prepare the imaging room, protocol, devices and accessories, as necessary and appropriate for the CTscan examination and the patients' characteristics/needs;
- Welcome patients, seek and provide adequate information in line with established procedures;
- Perform CTexaminations in accordance with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, under the continuous guidance and supervision of a qualified radiographer;
- Critically evaluate the resultant CT images on PACS so as to reflect upon and identify areas for improvement;
- Recommend and carry out further scanning after discussions with the supervising radiographer to better demonstrate findings from standard projections;
- Effectively communicate the required information to the patient before, during and at the end of the CT scan examination;
- Practice appropriate patient care in accordance to the needs of the patient throughout the CT examination.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Adam, A et al (2020) Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology Essentials (7th edition), Churchill Livingstone
- McQuillen Martensen, K (2018). Radiographic Image Analysis. (5th ed) Elsevier
- Eisenberg, RL & Johnson NM (2020) Comprehensive Radiographic Pathology (7h ed.), Mosby
- Kowalczyk, N & Mace, JD (2017) Radiographic Pathology for Technologists (7th ed.), Mosby
- Mayer-Baese, A & Schmid V (2014) Pattern Recognition for Medical Imaging (2nd ed). Science Direct
- Brooke, R., Fishman, E. (1996) Spiral CT of the Body. Lippincott
- Bruening, R., Kuettner, A., Flohrs, T. (2006) Protocols for multislice CT. Springer
- Hofer, M. (2000) CT teaching manual. Thieme
- Tack, D., Mannudeep, K., Grvenois, P.(2012) Radiation dose from multidetector CT. Springer
- Sutton, D. (2003) Textbook of Radiology and Imaging. Churchill/Livingstone
- Grainger, R., Allison, D., Adam, A., Dixon, A. Diagnostic Radiology: A textbook of medical imaging. Churchill/Livingstone.

Supplementary Readings:

- Lampignano J & Kendrick LE (2019) Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy (9th ed.), Mosby
- Long, BW, Rollins, JH & Smith BJ (2015). Merill's Atlas of Radiographic Positioning and Procedures, Elsevier
- Carlton, R & Adler A, (2019), Principles of Radiographic Imaging: An Art and a Science (6th ed.). Cengage Publication
- Ehrlich, RA & Coakes, DM (2018) Patient Care in Radiography: With an Introduction to Medical Imaging, Mosby
- Durham, D. (1997) Atlas of CT pathology. Saunders.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Please note that a pass in all assessment components is obligatory for an overall pass mark to be awarded.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Placement, Independent Study & Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Portfolio [See Add. Notes] See note below Yes 20%
Competencies [See Add. Notes] See note below Yes 80%
Note: Assessment due date will be notified by the Faculty/Institute/Centre/School.

 
LECTURER/S Jonathan Loui Portelli (Co-ord.)

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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