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Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE RAD2215

 
TITLE Reproductive and Urinary Systems: Imagery and Pathology

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL Not Applicable

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Radiography

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit provides students with essential knowledge and practical skills in imaging the reproductive and urinary systems, including obstetric imaging. It covers a range of imaging modalities such as planar radiography, Fluoroscopy, Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Nuclear Medicine, including Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) / CT, with emphasis on advanced and modified procedures. Key topics include radiation safety and patient care, particularly in sensitive cases like obstetric imaging, as well as the pathophysiology of common pathologies and how these are visualised across the different imaging modalities being used.

Students will develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills through tutorials, case-based learning, and hands-on practice. They will also explore advanced imaging technologies and multidisciplinary collaboration, preparing them to work effectively within clinical teams. By the end of the study-unit, students will be equipped to evaluate the various imaging methods used in clinical, understand radiation effects on the reproductive and urinary systems, and provide patient-centered care.

Study-Unit Aims:

The study-unit aims to:

- Equip students with the necessary knowledge to perform diagnostically acceptable medical imaging for the reproductive and urinary systems;
- Ensure students grasp the roles and applications of various imaging modalities, including their limitations and optimal use in different clinical scenarios;
- Ensure that students know how to employ safe working practices, with particular emphasis on radiation protection and dose optimisation where needed;
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of the clinical rationale behind imaging procedures and examinations, linking technical skills to patient diagnosis;
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to recognise and evaluate common and complex pathologies and disease processes through the use of diverse imaging modalities;
- Raise awareness of patient-centered care, focusing on the emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs of patients in various clinical settings, especially in sensitive areas like reproductive health;
- Encourage students to stay informed about emerging technologies, current research, and developments in medical imaging, fostering a commitment to lifelong learning.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Explain factors influencing the selection of diagnostic techniques used to image the urinary and reproductive systems;
- Use knowledge to adapt selected imaging techniques to different patient types and clinical scenarios;
- Apply knowledge of diagnostic imaging and radiation protection to optimise dose and image quality;
- Describe the imaging procedures in terms of the correct patient preparation, positioning, and radiation safety;
- Explain the importance of patient care before, during, and after imaging procedures;
- Identify and describe key anatomical structures of the urinary and reproductive systems, as seen on the diverse imaging modalities;
- Discuss criteria used for evaluating image quality, and its impact on patient management;
- Reflect on how image quality influences diagnosis and care;
- Analyse emerging trends in imaging techniques for both the urinary and reproductive systems.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Describe how to produce diagnostic images while addressing the physical and psychological needs of the patient;
- Select the most suitable imaging technique according to the clinical request, patient history, clinical indications, and patient presentation;
- Optimise imaging techniques based on the specific needs of individual patients, including those with special conditions or challenges;
- Have the skills to apply radiation protection measures in order to optimise both dose and image quality;
- Evaluate diagnostic images and apply criteria required to assess image quality;
- Identify key radiographic anatomy on the images produced, as well as being aware of positioning errors and artifacts;
- Identify pathological findings and assess the need for further imaging or additional specialised procedures, based on clinical indications;
- Apply safety protocols, including radiation safety and patient handling, to ensure a secure environment for both the patient and the radiographer.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Lampignano J & Kendrick LE (2024) Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy (11th ed.), Mosby.
- Eisenberg, RL (2024) Comprehensive Radiographic Pathology, (8th ed.), Elsevier.
- McQuillen Martensen K. (2024) Radiographic Image Analysis (6th ed), Saunders.
- Copel J.A. (2017) Obstetric Imaging: Fetal Diagnosis and Care; 2nd Edition; Elsevier (Expert Radiology Series).
- Singh H. (2018) Cross Sectional Imaging Made Easy (2nd ed), Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.

Additional Readings:

- Lampignano J & Kendrick LE (2024) Workbook for Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy (11th ed.), Mosby.
- Ehrlich, RA & Coakes, DM (202018) Patient Care in Radiography: With an Introduction to Medical Imaging, (10th ed.), Mosby.
- Raman SP, Rosado-de-Christenson ML, Zaheer A, Martínez-Jiménez S, Fananapazir G, Garrana S, Rogers D, Foster BR (2023) Imaging Anatomy: Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis (3rd ed), Elsevier.
- Gilmore D & Waterstram-Rich KM (2023) Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (9th ed), Independently published.
- Romans L (2018) Computed Tomography for Technologists: A Comprehensive Text; 2nd Edition; Wolters Kluwer.
- Westbrook C. and Talbot J. (2018) MRI in Practice; 5th Edition; Wiley Blackwell.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (2 Hours) SEM2 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Paul Bezzina
Karen Borg Grima (Co-ord.)
David Degiorgio
Pierre Demicoli
Marvin Grech
Natalino Carmelo Pennisi
Lara Maria Sammut
Francis Zarb

 

 
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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