| CODE | RAD4027 | ||||||
| TITLE | Clinical Imaging Practice 3 | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 04 - Years 4, 5 in Modular UG or PG Cert Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 10 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit presents radiography students with the application of basic theoretical radiography principles in practice emphasising radiography of both the axial and appendicular skeleton. The study-unit is made up of lectures, tutorials and clinical demonstrations where students can discuss issues related to physical principles in radiography, radiation protection and aspects of patient care in clinical practice. Study-Unit Aims: • Present radiation protection guidelines for patients especially the unborn child and women of childbearing age; • Reinforce physics principles and their application in clinical practice; • Familiarise students with the structure, shape and orientation of the axial and appendicular skeleton; • Provide the students with the skills required to position patients appropriately for the required radiographic examination; • Provide an overview of radiological appearance of trauma and pathologies related to the axial and appendicular skeleton, chest and abdominal organs; • Encourage the use of correct anatomical terminology; • Provide a practical learning environment which encourages competent, confident and safe working practices; • Enable the students to understand the needs of the patient and the respect and care necessary to be given in different circumstances. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Identify anatomical structures related to the axial and appendicular skeleton, chest and abdominal organs; • Identify and locate anatomical surface markings and centering points for required radiographic projections; • Identify and describe pathological features on resultant images; • Explain the terminology used for different clinical indications related to extremity, chest, abdomen and vertebral column imaging. Skills (Including transferrable [generic] skills): By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Justify requests for plain radiography examinations; • Choose appropriate radiographic projections to exclude or confirm the clinical indication; • Manage and prioritize requests based on the clinical indications considering the health state and urgency of the cases; • Competently perform radiographic positioning of the area under investigation according to the needs of the patient; • Select appropriate exposure factors and imaging accessories as required; • Conduct the exposures with the minimum radiation exposure risk in accordance with ‘ALARA’ (as low as reasonably achievable) principle; • Critically evaluate the resultant images and identify areas for improvement; • Recommend and perform further projections when justified to better demonstrate findings on standard projections; • Recommend other modes of imaging when necessary to increase the diagnostic value of imaging examinations; • Effectively communicate the required information to the patient at the end of the examination; • Practice appropriate patient care depending on needs of the patient and the radiographic examination. Students attend for 250 hours of clinical practice related to this study unit during the academic year and summer period. Clinical placements are assigned by the Division in consultation with the Medical Imaging Department, Mater Dei Hospital, Gozo General Hospital, Health Centres and Radiotherapy Department, Boffa Hospital. Students are expected to work under the supervision of a clinical radiographer. A clinical tutor and a mentor, members of staff of the Division appointed by the University, ensure the development of clinical competences and assessment. Students keep a log book with their daily activities and personal observations. Teaching and assessment: The clinical tutor appointed by the university is expected to spend time with the students under her/his charge to explain the procedures used in the various placement areas. The University mentor is also expected to monitor the students when they are called to perform practical tasks. Academic members of staff, appointed as clinical tutors and mentors visit students in each placement during each semester and summer period. Each visit lasts for approximately a whole morning. The clinical tutor and mentor regularly meet the students for tutorial and give each student feedback. At the scheduled periods during the academic year two members of staff conduct a formal clinical examination. The examination of each student lasts approximately 2 hours which is then discussed at the examination board. Reading List: • Bushberg (2000) The essential physics of medical imaging • Ehrlick, McKloskey (2004) Patient care in radiography • Oakley (2003) Digital Imaging • Martin (1998) Radiation protection • Ballinger (2002) Radiographic positions and radiologic procedures • Long (1995) Orthopaedic radiography • Nicholson (1995) ABC of emergency radiology • Gurney (2003) Pocket radiologist – chest • Federle (2003) Pocket radiologist - Abdominal • Brant-Zawadzki (2002) Pocket radiologist - Spine • Grainger (2001) Diagnostic Radiology • Armstrong (2004) Diagnostic imaging. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Clinical Practice, Lab Sessions, and Tutorials | ||||||
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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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