Cross-sectional Imaging Practice Placement
| Module title | Cross-sectional Imaging Practice Placement |
|---|---|
| Module code | PAMM114 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Noor Shafini Mohamad (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
This module builds upon PAMM112 and PAMM113 academic modules to consolidate the wide range of CT and MRI related clinical skills and concepts introduced in these modules via a clinical placement experience. Mandatory training is an integral part of this module and must be completed at the required time to avoid module failure.
Module aims - intentions of the module
During this fourth placement of the programme you will become an integral member of the multi-professional cross-sectional imaging team: competent to deal with a full range of patients using CT and MRI modalities. You will have responsibility for organising your working day and liaising with staff, gaining experience within an inter-professional cross-sectional team.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Perform routine, and advanced, cross-sectional imaging and moving and handling procedures in a safe and efficient manner
- 2. Demonstrate skill and apply knowledge in cross-sectional radiographic positioning and image acquisition
- 3. Assess and interpret images, and anticipate potential image-quality problems arising from special circumstances and implement corrective action;
- 4. Care for, and communicate with, patients and colleagues appropriately
- 5. Evaluate and implement relevant cross-sectional safety measures, including instrument calibration and quality control;
- 6. Practice, and be able to explain the principles of, appropriate infection prevention and control
- 7. Demonstrate critical awareness enabling the ability to modify radiographic technique as appropriate to the situation
- 8. Deal with patients in difficult circumstances and undertake complex imaging procedures
- 9. Demonstrate conceptual understanding of the principles of parameter selection, image processing, viewing, and image evaluation relevant to cross-sectional imaging.
- 10. A comprehensive understanding and ability to identify normal and normal-variant radiographic and cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, and pathology, relating to cross-sectional imaging modalities.
- 11. Operate effectively as part of an inter-professional healthcare team
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 12. Reflect on clinical experience, identify personal strengths and learning needs.
- 13. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date log book of radiographic examinations undertaken
- 14. Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of theory and practice.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 15. Contribute positively to the placement department;
- 16. Comply with the Code of Practice for Clinical Placements
- 17. Develop and reflect on personal and professional portfolio as a basis for future CPD
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
Science and design principles of CT and MRI imaging
- Principles of CT image reconstruction
- Principles of CT automated dose modulation and image optimisation techniques
- Explanation of CT parameters – purpose and effects on image quality
- Principles of MRI image formation
- Explanation of MRI pulse sequence families
- Explanation of MRI parameters – purpose, effects on image quality, effect on SAR
Equipment design, benefits and limitations
- CT Hardware (tube, detector and gantry design etc.)
- MRI Field strength & functionality
- MRI Hardware (gradients, slew rates etc.)
- MRI coil options
- Digital imaging software features including post processing and reformatting applications, secure handling and archiving
CT and MRI Safety
- Radiation Safety and CT related dosimetry
- Static magnetic field (translational & rotational forces on ferromagnetic materials)
- Time varying magnetic field (induced voltage, auditory considerations, thermal heating)
- Implant safety – passive implants
- Implant safety – active implants
- Site access, siting considerations
- Contrast agent safety
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
Pre-clinical Preparation (preceding placement):
- Mandatory training in compliance with NHS requirements, including:
- Basic Life Support.
- Mandatory e-learning modules.
- Moving and Handling.
- Infection Prevention and Control
Computed Tomography [4 weeks]:
- Standard positioning and departmental protocols.
- Use of contrast media
- Participate as a member of the inter-professional team.
- Image processing and manipulation.
- Identify normal, normal-variant cross-sectional anatomy and pathology.
- Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging [4 weeks]:
- Standard positioning and departmental protocols.
- Use of contrast media.
- Image processing and manipulation.
- Identify normal, normal-variant cross-sectional anatomy and pathology.
- Particular attention to the safety issues associated with the use this modality.
- Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to patient care and communication.
General Radiography [2 weeks]
- Standard positioning and departmental protocols.
- Assessment of radiographs, modification of exposure factors and technique.
- Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology and participate in red-dot schemes where appropriate
- Identify the need for additional views and modification of technique in trauma.
- Perform radiographs on a full range of patient types, including paediatrics, elderly, infirm and trauma patients.
- Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.
The University defines academic credit in terms of workload, with one credit being equal to a notional 10 hours of learning. However, due to the amount of time required for a clinical placement, and the fact that the placement necessarily runs outside of standard university terms, this approach cannot be followed for placement modules in radiography. Therefore the hours given are a closer reflection of the amount of time spent on placement, although they should still be considered indicative.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 26 | 315 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 10 | Pre-clinical Preparation - mandatory training |
| Placement | 315 | Placement learning. Attendance requirements as stated in placement paperwork. |
| Guided independent study | 16 | Preparation for assessment |
| Guided independent study | 10 | Tutor guided online discussion forums in the form of discussion board, consolidation of learning |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer based exam | 30 minutes | 1-11 | Electronic (automated) |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 100 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer based exam | 50 | 30 minutes | 1-11 | Electronic (automated) |
| Portfolio and Professional Discussion (50%) | 50 | 20 minutes | 1-17 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer based exam (50%) | Computer based exam 30 minutes | 1-11 | August/September assessment period |
| Portfolio and Professional Discussion (50%) | Portfolio and Professional Discussion 20 minutes | 1-17 | August/September assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
If you pass re-assessments taken as a result of deferral, your re-assessment will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment and the overall module mark will not be capped.
If you pass re-assessments taken as a result of referral (i.e. following initial failure in the assessment), the overall module mark will be capped at 50%.
If you fail re-assessments taken as a result of referral (i.e. following initial failure in the assessment), you will be failed in the module.
Please also refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Textbook based resources
Seeram E. Computed Tomography-E-Book: Physical Principles, Clinical Applications, and Quality Control. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2015 Sep 2. ISBN 9780323323017
Buzug TM. Computed tomography from photon statistics to modern cone-beam CT. ISBN 9783540394082
Essentials of MRI safety (e-book) Donald W McRobbie, Wiley Blackwell, 2020 ISBN: 9781119557166
MRI in Practice (e-book) Catherine Westbrook, Wiley Blackwell, 2019 ISBN: 9781119391999
MRI from Picture to Proton (e-book) Donald McRobbie et al, Wiley Blackwell, 2017 ISBN: 9781107706958
MRI Contrast Agents (e-book) Sophie Laurent, Springer, 2017 ISBN: 9789811025273
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
RCR Guidelines on contrast usage and extravasation trauma/stroke/CTC/PET/CT imaging
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA): Safety guidelines for magnetic resonance imaging in clinical use, 2014
Royal College of Radiologists (RCR): Guidance on gadolinium based contrast agent administration
NICE Guidelines and Core Knowledge Summaries
RCR Guidance documents
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 26/01/2022 |
| Last revision date | 27/10/2024 |
