| CODE | RAD5024 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Optimisation of Cone Beam Computerised Tomography (CBCT) for Radiotherapy | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit provides the advanced theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and technical competencies required to plan, perform, and evaluate CBCT optimization within a modern radiotherapy environment. The curriculum bridges the gap between imaging physics and clinical application by covering the underlying technology of CBCT systems, and the optimization of high-quality imaging with minimized patient dose under the ALARA principle. Participants learn to design site-specific imaging protocols and executing robust Quality Assurance (QA) frameworks. Ultimately, the study unit empowers radiation oncology professionals to optimize acquisition parameters, audit existing clinical workflows, and lead evidence-based imaging optimization initiatives within their multidisciplinary teams. The study-unit content is delivered on-line, asynchronously and through various learning activities delivered within the virtual learning environment. Study-unit Aims: This study-unit aims to bring together professionals using CBCT imaging in RT to foster a multidisciplinary learning environment, to work collaboratively to plan, perform and evaluate CBCT optimization in their hospitals. This is currently rare in daily practice. The training will be delivered by an international faculty of experts, ensuring that participants gain insights from leading professionals in the field. Additionally, the course assessment will be designed to be practice-oriented, requiring participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge directly in clinical settings which is key in ensuring real-world impact on cancer care. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Explain the scientific principles of CBCT imaging and compare with conventional CT; - Discuss the importance of equipment quality assurance, calibration, dose display/monitoring, and how these underpin optimization in CBCT; - Discuss the clinical benefits of CBCT and associated radiation risks; - Define the key principles of radiation protection (justification and optimization) and how they apply to CBCT imaging; - Explain different CBCT dose measurement procedures and the purpose of patient dose surveys; - Discuss the use of using Monte-Carlo simulations in organ doses to establish the link with measured dose quantities; - Discuss the implications of scan parameter manipulation for optimization of radiological protection and their impact on radiation dose and image quality; - Identify the different dose-related metrics relevant to CBCT and discuss their benefits and limitations; - Identify the different image quality evaluation tools (qualitative and quantitative) and discuss their benefits and limitations; - Explain how dose reference levels (DRLRTs) apply to CBCT, and the challenges in establishing them; - Recognise how CBCT scan protocols must be tailored to the clinical question (justification); - Recognise how CBCT scan protocols must be tailored to adult patient characteristics (anatomical area and size specific protocols); - Recognise how CBCT scan protocols must be tailored to paediatric patient characteristics (anatomical area and size specific protocols); - Explain the scope of optimization beyond just reducing dose and ensuring sufficient image quality (visibility of anatomical structures) for the therapeutic task, including time efficiency, and resource considerations; - Emphasize the value of the different professionals working together as a team in optimization of radiological protection. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply the core principles of radiation protection (justification, optimization) to real clinical CBCT scenarios to support safe imaging decisions; - Evaluate CBCT examination requests to assess justification and determine whether alternative, lower-dose imaging modalities may be appropriate; - Assess and communicate CBCT dose levels and associated patient risks clearly to colleagues and patients, using appropriate terminology; - Implement and evaluate CBCT dose measurements and patient dose surveys; - Optimize CBCT scan parameters to achieve an appropriate balance between radiation dose and sufficient image quality; -Select and interpret appropriate dose metrics for CBCT and judge their limitations in different clinical contexts; -Select and interpret appropriate image quality evaluation tools (qualitative and quantitative) for CBCT and judge their limitations in different clinical contexts; - Apply and evaluate dose reference levels (DRLRTs) when auditing CBCT practice, and identify challenges in local DRLRTs implementation; - Perform or support CBCT-specific quality assurance procedures including calibration checks, dose display verification, and performance monitoring; - Contribute to safe operation within regulatory and manufacturer guidance; - Adapt or implement CBCT scan protocols to the clinical question (justification); - Adapt or implement CBCT scan protocols to adult patient characteristics (anatomical area and size specific protocols); - Adapt or implement CBCT scan protocols to paediatric patient characteristics (anatomical area and size specific protocols); - Integrate optimization strategies into the wider workflow by balancing dose, image quality, time efficiency, and resource considerations; - Contribute to departmental radiation protection governance through quality improvement activities; - Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team in optimization of radiological protection. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: View reading list |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-Requisite Qualifications: Radiographers, Medical Physicists, Radiation Oncologists, Quality Managers using CBCT imaging in Radiotherapy | |||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Online Learning | |||||||||
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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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