| CODE | RAD3330 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Pharmacology and Radiopharmacy for Radiographers | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit serves to provide a sound understanding of the principles underlying the therapeutic action of drugs used in radiography especially contrast media as well as possible treatments options for radiation therapy side effects and radiopharmacy. It will include an understanding of the various phases of drug action, from the molecular level to drug analysis, as well as understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles and general pharmacological activity. The study-unit will also consider practical aspects of the role of pharmacology for the work graduates in radiographic science will be undertaking, especially in an understanding of the drugs used in emergency situations encountered in their practice. Students are also provided with the foundations for the use and application of radiopharmacy agents in medical imaging, for a diverse range of clinical applications. Radiopharmaceuticals and radionuclides are medical products defined in the European directive 2004/27/EC, which should be handled by trained and qualified radiographers in order to ensure patient and staff safety. Students in this study-unit will be taught about the production of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals, used in both diagnostic and therapy procedures. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit aims to provide: - A sound understanding of the principles underlying the therapeutic action of drugs used in radiography, especially contrast media, and for the treatment of radiotherapy side effects; - An understanding of the various phases of drug action, from the molecular level to drug analysis; - An understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles and general pharmacological activity of contrast media and emergency drugs; - An understanding of Practical aspects of the role of pharmacology in understanding drugs used in emergency situations; - Knowledge on using pharmacological principles to understand differences in the mode of action and selection of contrast media, and treatment options for radiation side effects as part of a treatment; - Knowledge on the principles underlying radiopharmacy, in order to ensure safe working practices; and - An understanding of the concepts of radionuclide production. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Appraise the general mechanisms of drug action; - Define and apply the different modes of drug administration in radiography; - Interpret the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs used in radiography; - Identify the mechanism of action of drugs available on the emergency trolley; - Predict and manage adverse reactions to drugs used in radiography; - Apply and practice aseptic procedures in drug preparation; - Discuss the differences between different treatment options for radiation treatment side effects; - Discuss the clinical applications of the most common radiopharmaceuticals and radionuclides; - Apply and practice safe use and dispose of radiopharmaceuticals and radionuclides, in line with required radiation protection measures and national regulations; - Appraise the use of theranostic procedures in Radiography. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply the principles of drug action in the selection of contrast media used radiography; - Apply the principles of drug action in the selection of treatment options for radiation treatment side effects; - Apply knowledge of the molecular mode of action of drugs to specific clinical scenarios encountered emergency situations in radiography; - Manage drug related problems in radiography; - Adopt and practice aseptic techniques in the preparation of drugs used in radiography; - Appraise the principles of pharmacology to understand the use of drugs available on the emergency trolley; - Apply the principles of radiopharmacy to radiography; - Identify the appropriate radiopharmaceuticals / radionuclides to be used for basic Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures, and in theranostic examinations. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts - Jensen SC and Peppers MP. Pharmacology and Drug Administration for Imaging technologists. Mosby. 2nd Ed. - British National Formulary. Pharmaceutical Press. - Welch, M.J. (2005). Handbook of radiopharmaceuticals: Radiochemistry and applications. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Supplementary Readings: - Humphrey P. Rang HP, Dale MM, Ritter JM, Flower R. Rang & Dale's (2018). Pharmacology. Churchill Livingstone. 9th Ed. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study, Fieldwork and Tutorial | ||||||||||||||||
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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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