| CODE | RAD4129 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Clinical Imaging Practice 7: Contrast Enhanced Imaging | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 04 - Years 4, 5 in Modular UG or PG Cert Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 3 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit is designed to enable radiography students to apply theoretical knowledge and skills gained in previous years as well as to help them develop competencies in imaging of patients undergoing examinations which require the administration of intravenous contrast. The study-unit will include clinical demonstration and practical sessions to help guide students' practice and encourage the development of knowledge, skills and competences. In particular, students will be expected to discuss principles and safety issues relating to intravenous contrast administration using bolus or power injectors, communicate effectively with the patient in order to obtain the clinical history of the patient and explain the risk factors and demonstrate and apply patient care within a clinical environment. The scope of the examination is to assess the student's competencies in order to ascertain that they are competent in preparing an automatic power injector taking into consideration all the risks of administering contrast agents in this way. In addition, students will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking skills relating to patient communication and care in a clinical setting. Students attend for 75 hours related to this study-unit during the academic year, out of which 60 hours of clinical placements are assigned within a CT unit, where students are expected to practice under the supervision of a radiographer and/or clinical demonstrator and 15 hours are dedicated to student independent studies. Lecturing staff regularly meet the students for tutorials and to provide each student with individual feedback while ensures the development of the required clinical competencies. At the scheduled periods during the academic year a minimum of two members of staff conduct a formal clinical examination. The examination of each student lasts for a maximum of 1 hour which is then discussed at the examination board. Study-unit Aims: The study-units aims to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and competencies relating to performing examinations of patients administered intravenous contrast under minimal guidance of a qualified radiographer. Amongst others, this study-unit will provide the student with the knowledge and competencies to: - Familiarise themselves with the standard operating procedures and policies that need to be considered and adhered to when administering contrast media during examinations of patients; - Apply safety considerations, select appropriate contrast media, calculate the volume required and flow rates in line with clinical indications; - Develop the skills and competencies required to: identify contraindications to intravenous contrast administration, identify signs and symptoms of extravagation and take appropriate action in case of side effects and emergencies; - Apply best practice standards/recommendations so as to ensure optimal patient safety as well as enhanced patient-centred care; - Correctly set up and use automatic injectors; - Provide a practical learning environment which encourages competent, confident and safe working practices. 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; - Identify changes in patient clinical signs and symptoms; - Identify, describe and take remedial action in cases of extravasation; - Identify and discuss the use of cannulas and lines appropriate for the type of contrast medium administration; - Describe safety issues in relation to the use of power injectors. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Reach competency by preparing and setting up a power injector for intravenous contrast administration with minimal assistance by a qualified radiographer; - Follow established aseptic techniques during set up; - Check and ensure no air is trapped inside the tubing; - Check all accessories for expiry date; - Check appropriate pressure ratings of accessories used for the mode of intravenous contrast administration and set flow rate accordingly; - Safely administer contrast agents in line with protocols and procedures; and - Deliver appropriate patient care and aftercare depending on needs of the patient. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Essential reading - Baert, A.L; Sartor, K. (2006) Contrast media: Safety Issues and ESUR Guidelines. Springer. - ESUR (2018) ESUR Guidelines on contrast Media (https://www.esur.org/fileadmin/content/2019/ESUR_Guidelines_10.0_Final_Version.pdf) |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Placement and Independent Study | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Francis Zarb (Co-ord.) |
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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 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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