| CODE | RAD2046 | ||||||
| TITLE | Medical Imaging Theory and Practice: Axial Skeleton, Dental and Abdomen Imaging | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The aim of this study-unit is to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge to undertake imaging of the axial skeleton (skull and spine), dental and abdomen. It will also focus on preparing students for non-ambulant, uncooperative patients where modifications and advanced techniques to those routinely performed are required. Dental radiographic technique, image interpretation and modifications will also be covered. Topics include: Indications for imaging including advanced/modified projections, imaging considerations, patient considerations, terminology, accessory devices, medical devices used for advanced techniques, application and utilisation of protective devices, radiation protection, optimised and justified procedures and practices. Practical demonstrations will be used to develop the students critical thinking skills. Study-unit Aims: - To provide a learning situation which will enable the student to become proficient at performing diagnostically acceptable images of the radiographic procedures related to imaging of the head, spine, dental and abdomen; - To foster good radiographic practice and ensure students are conversant with and employ safe working practices, particularly with regard to radiation safety; - To ensure an understanding of the reasons for the projections and examinations required to demonstrate the anatomy of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen; - To be able to recognise pathologies and disease processes; - To provide an awareness of the feelings of patients and their behavior in the hospital environment; - To encourage the student to keep up to date with current developments in medical imaging; - To enable the students to understand the needs of the patient and the respect and care necessary to be given in different circumstances; and - To understand the role of imaging modalities. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Describe the role of the radiographer in the overall care of the patient presenting with an injury/pathology/condition related to the head,spine, dental and abdomen imaging; - Explain justification of the x-ray request based on patient presentation and clinical indications for imaging of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen; - Explain technical, patient and pathological factors influencing preparation and choice of technique for specific radiographic projections of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen; - Apply knowledge of imaging systems and radiation protection principles to ensure optimisation of dose and image quality; - Discuss how to adapt and optimise the radiographic technique for different types of patients, pathologies/conditions and/or circumstances; - Describe how to correctly undertake radiographic examinations of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen giving due consideration to: patient preparation, room preparation, selection of appropriate protocols and exposure factors, positioning of patient and image receptor, direction and centering of the x-ray beam and the application of radiation protection measures; - Explain how the patient must be treated with respect and care appropriate to their physical and psychological needs, before, during and after performing the radiographic examination; - Identify and describe, using the correct anatomical terminology, the structure and orientation of bones, joints and other relevant anatomical structures of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen; - Discuss the evaluation criteria of the radiographic image produced; and - Reflect and discuss the potential impact the image quality may have on the patient’s management and care. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate the skills and competencies to produce diagnostic images of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen (under supervision) while providing for the physical and psychological needs of the patient; - Analyse the clinical request and justify the x-ray examination of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen; - Decide on the radiographic projections to be performed in accordance with the x-ray request, clinical history, clinical indications and patient presentation; - Perform correct identification check and pregnancy check (if applicable) of the patient and other check prior to performing imaging examination; - Care and communicate effectively with the patient before, during and after the x-ray examination of the head or spine; - Practice and apply correct positioning techniques for the patient, giving due consideration to the relationship between the patient and image receptor and the use of immobilisation devices; - Identify and make use of the most appropriate centring and direction of the x-ray beam; - Practice application of radiation protection measures to ensure optimisation of dose and image quality; - Adapt and optimise radiographic techniques to the needs of the individual patient; - Optimise exposure factors and other parameters to produce the optimum visualisation of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen with the least radiation dose possible; - Evaluate radiographic images and discuss the criteria for a good diagnostic image, especially in terms of: confirming patient identification and use of correct markers/legends; explaining contrast, density and sharpness of the resultant image; - Identify radiographic anatomy and explain the radiographic appearance of all relevant bony and soft tissue structures, positioning errors and artefacts; - Evaluate radiographic image and identify any pathologies/fractures/conditions that are present; - Identify pathologies of the head, spine, dental and abdomen and assess the need for further radiographic projections based on these pathologies; - Critically evaluate the radiographic image of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen and decide on the need for any repeat or further projections that will aid in the management and care of the patient; and - Analyse and solve problems that arise when performing an x-ray of the head, spine, teeth and abdomen using appropriate guidelines and research evidence. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Adam A, & Dixon, AK (2007) Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology: 2 Vol Set (5th ed.) Churchill Livingstone. - American College of Emergency Physicians (2010), ACEP First Aid Manual (3rd Ed), DK Publishing. - Beggs, J, (2006), Abdominal X-rays made easy (2nd ed.), Churchill Livingstone. - Bontrager, KL & Lampignano J (2009) Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy (7th ed.), Mosby. - Dalrymple, NC, Leyendecker, JR & Oliphant, MD, (2009) Problem solving in Abdominal Imaging, Mosby. - Eisenberg, RL & Johnson NM (2007) Comprehensive Radiographic Pathology (4th ed.) Mosby. - Frank, ED, Long, BW & Smith, BJ (2007) Merrill’s Atlas of Radiographic Positioning and Procedures (11th ed.), Mosby. - Kowalczyk, N & Mace, JD (2008) Radiographic Pathology for Technologists (5th ed.), Mosby. - Mayer-Baese, A (2003) Pattern Recognition for Medical Imaging, Academic Press. - Morrison, WB, & Sanders, TG, (2008) Problem solving in Musculoskeletal Imaging, Mosby. - Eisenberg, RL & Johnson NM (2007) Comprehensive Radiographic Pathology (4th ed.), Mosby. - Kowalczyk, N & Mace, JD (2008) Radiographic Pathology for Technologists (5th ed.), Mosby. - Mayer-Baese, A (2003) Pattern Recognition for Medical Imaging, Academic Press. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Independent Study, Demonstrations & Lectures | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Paul Bezzina Karen Borg Grima Victor Micallef Jonathan Loui Portelli |
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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 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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