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Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description



CODE RAD4037

 
TITLE Clinical Imaging Practice: Computed Tomography (CT) and 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 so that qualified graduate radiographers from non EU/EEA countries, continue to apply and build on the theoretical and experiential knowledge gained and develop further knowledge, skills and competencies in computed tomography (CT).

For this study-unit, qualified graduate radiographers from non EU/EEA countries will attend clinical practice in a CT unit under the supervision of a qualified radiographer. They will be guided to learn and develop the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to perform a non-contrast enhanced CT scan with minimal assistance from the supervising radiographer. In particular, students will be expected to be able to discuss relevant principles and concepts relating to the application of appropriate radiation safety principles, room preparation, protocol selection and set up, technique, communication and care when performing a non contrast enhanced CT.

The candidates will also be expected to discuss principles and safety issues relating to intravenous contrast administration using bolus or power injectors. Additionally, these candidates will need to communicate effectively with the patient in order to obtain the clinical history of the patient and explain the risk factors, while demonstrating and applying patient care within the clinical environment.

The scope of the clinical examination is to assess and determine the candidate's competence in performing a non-contrast enhanced CT Scan as well as to ascertain that they are competent in preparing an automatic power injector, while also explaining the various precautions and risk factors that need to be taken into consideration when administering intravenous contrast in this way.

Study-Unit Aims:

The study-unit aims to allow students to further develop knowledge, skills and competencies and achieve competency in (i) carrying out a non-contrast enhanced CT scan, as well as in (ii) preparing an automatic power injector with minimal to no assistance from the supervising radiographer. In particular, the study-unit will seek to encourage:

- Familiarity with the standard operating procedures and policies that need to be considered and adhered to when performing a CT scan (with and without contrast);
- The application of radiation safety and physics principles into clinical CT practice;
- The review of the validity and justification of CT imaging referrals;
- The development of knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform and evaluate CT examinations in line with established protocols and procedures;
- Consideration to best practice standards/recommendations so as to ensure optimal patient and staff safety as well as enhanced patient-centred care.
- 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 extravasation and take appropriate action in case of side effects and emergencies;
- Correctly set up and use automatic power 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:

- Explain standard operating procedures and policies that need to be considered and adhered to when performing CT examinations;
- Describe radiation safety and radiation physics principles and how they can be applied in practice when performing CT examinations;
- Perform a routine CT examination with no assistance from the supervising radiographer;
- Explain relevant considerations as applicable to the needs of different patient groups, such as checking for pregnancy, renal function, and possibility of any previous adverse reactions to contrast media;
- 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.
- Evaluate and critique CT images;
- Identify cross-sectional anatomical structures on CT.

2. Skills:

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

Reach competency by (i) carrying out a routine CT scan procedure and by (ii) preparing and setting up a power injector for intravenous contrast administration with minimal to no assistance from the supervising radiographer; including ability to:

- Evaluate and determine the validity and justification of CT imaging request;
- Assess clinical details and check renal function in preparation for possible need for the intravenous administration of contrast media;
- Choose appropriate CT protocol and adapt relevant parameters in line with the clinical question/s being asked;
- Prepare the imaging room, protocol, devices and accessories, as necessary and appropriate for the CT scan examination and the patients' characteristics/needs;
- Welcome patient, seek and provide adequate information in line with established procedures;
- Follow established aseptic techniques during set up of the power injector, including checking and ensuring that no air is trapped inside the tubing; checking the expiration date of all accessories to be used for expiry date;heck 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;
- Perform CT examination in accordance with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, under the continuous guidance and supervision of a qualified radiographer;
- Critically evaluate the resultant CT images on PACS so as to reflect upon and identify areas for improvement;
- Recommend and carry out further scanning, if required, after discussions with the supervising radiographer to better demonstrate findings;
- Effectively communicate the required information to the patient before, during and at the end of the CT scan examination;
- Practice appropriate patient care in accordance with the needs of the patient throughout the CT examination.


Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Adam, A et al (2020) Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology Essentials (7th edition), Churchill Livingstone
- McQuillen Martensen, K (2018). Radiographic Image Analysis. (5th ed) Elsevier
- Eisenberg, RL & Johnson NM (2020) Comprehensive Radiographic Pathology (7h ed.), Mosby
- Kowalczyk, N & Mace, JD (2017) Radiographic Pathology for Technologists (7th ed.), Mosby
- Mayer-Baese, A & Schmid V (2014) Pattern Recognition for Medical Imaging (2nd ed). Science Direct
- Brooke, R., Fishman, E. (1996) Spiral CT of the Body. Lippincott
- Bruening, R., Kuettner, A., Flohrs, T. (2006) Protocols for multislice CT. Springer
- Hofer, M. (2000) CT teaching manual. Thieme
- Tack, D., Mannudeep, K., Grvenois, P.(2012) Radiation dose from multidetector CT. Springer
- Sutton, D. (2003) Textbook of Radiology and Imaging. Churchill/Livingstone
- Grainger, R., Allison, D., Adam, A., Dixon, A. Diagnostic Radiology: A textbook of medical imaging. Churchill/Livingstone.
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)

Supplementary Readings:

- Lampignano J & Kendrick LE (2019) Bontrager's Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy (9th ed.), Mosby
- Long, BW, Rollins, JH & Smith BJ (2015). Merill's Atlas of Radiographic Positioning and Procedures, Elsevier
- Carlton, R & Adler A, (2019), Principles of Radiographic Imaging: An Art and a Science (6th ed.). Cengage Publication
- Ehrlich, RA & Coakes, DM (2018) Patient Care in Radiography: With an Introduction to Medical Imaging, Mosby
- Durham, D. (1997) Atlas of CT pathology. Saunders.


 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Practical and Tutorials

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Competencies See note below Yes 100%
Note: Assessment due date will be notified by the Faculty/Institute/Centre/School.

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
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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