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Study information

Placement for Health Science

Module titlePlacement for Health Science
Module codePAM3021
Academic year2024/5
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Chris Hayre (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

18

4

Number students taking module (anticipated)

1

Module description

This module builds upon PAM2006 Practice Placement 2 to develop the professional competence to fulfil Health and Care Professions Council requirements.

Module aims - intentions of the module

During this third and final placement you will become an integral member of the multi-professional healthcare team: competent to deal with a full range of patients using a wide range of modalities. You will have responsibility for organising your working day and liaising with staff in other departments, and will gain experience of managing an inter-professional team.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Perform routine, and advanced, imaging and manual handling procedures in a safe and efficient manner;
  • 2. Demonstrate skill in 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 appropriately;
  • 5. Describe and implement radiation protection measures, including instrument calibration and quality control;
  • 6. Discuss the effective dose equivalent associated with different imaging procedures and relate to risk/benefit judgements;
  • 7. Practice, and be able to explain the principles of, appropriate infection control;
  • 8. Identify and discuss applicable legal and ethical issues;
  • 9. Undertake radiographs and CT scans including supplementary views based on departmental protocols;
  • 10. Demonstrate the ability to modify radiographic technique as appropriate to the situation
  • 11. Deal with patients in difficult circumstances and undertake complex imaging procedures;
  • 12. Explain and apply the principles of exposure selection, image processing, viewing, image evaluation;
  • 13. Compare and contrast, for several imaging modalities, normal and normal-variant radiographic and cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, and pathology;
  • 14. Operate effectively as part of an inter-professional healthcare team;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 15. Reflect on clinical experience, identify personal strengths and learning needs;
  • 16. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date log book of radiographic examinations undertaken;
  • 17. Synthesise 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...

  • 18. Contribute positively to the placement department;
  • 19. Comply with the Code of Practice for Clinical Placements;
  • 20. Participate actively in clinical tutorials whilst on placement;
  • 21. Develop and reflect on personal and professional portfolio as a basis for future CPD.

Syllabus plan

Refer to the Handbook section http://uemsvle.exeter.ac.uk/ext/mihb/index.php for detailed aims and objectives for each placement area. The time spent on each placement area is shown in square brackets.

 

Pre-clinical Preparation (June/July preceding placement)

Mandatory training in compliance with NHS requirements, including:

Immediate Life Support.

Mandatory e-learning modules.

Moving and Handling.

 

General and / or A&E Room [6 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.

 

Fluoroscopy Room [2 weeks]

Use of barium and iodine based contrast agents.

Standard positioning and departmental protocols.

Assessment of images, modification of exposure factors and technique.

Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology.

Identify the need for additional imaging.

Develop involvement, expanding your role as a student radiographer

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection in a high dose environment, patient care and communication.

Observe a range of interventional procedures, including cardiac, neurological and angiographic examinations and procedures.

Participate as a member of the inter-professional team.

Identification of interventional treatment techniques.

Understanding of and adherence to the principles of a sterile environment and infection control procedures.

 

Mobiles and Theatres [3 weeks]

Standard positioning and departmental protocols.

Assessment of radiographs, modification of exposure factors and technique.

Identification of normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology.

Radiation protection in wards and in theatre.

Understanding of and adherence to the principles of a sterile environment and infection control.

Develop your role so you are leading the interaction with ward- and theatre-staff and the imaging of the patient

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.

 

Computed Tomography [2 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.

 

Other Modalities

Ultrasound (0.5 week)

Standard departmental protocols scanning protocols and techniques for obstetric and non-obstetric ultrasound.

Use of ultrasound equipment to perform measurements of anatomy and pathologies.

Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to patient care and communication.

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging 0.5 week)

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.

 

Nuclear Medicine (0.5 week )

Standard positioning, equipment and departmental protocols for a range of planar and cross-sectional imaging.

Use of different isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for imaging.

Image processing and manipulation

Identify normal, normal-variant planar and cross-sectional anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.

Awareness of different radiation protection issues associated with open sources of radiation.

 

Modalities/Specialties of the student's choice and depending on departmental availability (1.5 weeks).

This could include extra experience in a perceived area of weakness, or other areas of interest, or new modalities such as:

Positron Emission Tomography: Standard positioning and department protocols Image processing and manipulation; Identify normal, normal-variant planar and cross-sectional anatomy, physiology and pathology; safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication; Awareness of different radiation protection issues associated with the use of positron emitters.

DXA: Standard positioning and departmental protocols for the measurement of bone density; Image processing and manipulation; Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology; Identify artefacts affecting image processing and methods of rectification; Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication; awareness of the diagnosis criteria for osteoporosis and the impact of osteoporosis on the workload in an imaging department.

Mammography: Standard positioning and departmental procedures; Assessment of mammograms, modification of exposure factors and technique; Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology; Identify the need for additional views; Safe and efficient working, with particular attention to radiation protection, patient care and communication.

 

Out of Hours Shifts (from within general weeks)

Gain experience in out of hours work by working two nights and a minimum of five late shifts Standard positioning and departmental protocols.

Assessment of radiographs, modification of exposure factors and technique.

Identify the need for additional views and modification of technique in trauma.

Identify normal, normal-variant anatomy and pathology and participate in red-dot schemes where appropriate.

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 ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
3484480

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities17Pre-clinical Preparation - mandatory training
Scheduled learning and teaching activities11-hour Preparation for Clinical Practice tutorial prior to placement
Placement480Placement learning. Attendance requirements as stated in placement paperwork.
Scheduled learning and teaching activities168x2-hour tutorials during placement
Guided independent study24University provided activities 1.5 hours per week
Guided independent study60Revision of academic modules

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
N/A

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
02080

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Mandatory Training Completion (You must successfully complete this prior to commencing placement. This assessment must be passed; failure in this assessment will lead to failure in the module)0As required for completion.1,8N/A
Clinical - Multiple Patient151 hour1-14Written and verbal
Clinical - Half-day room management session15Half-day1-14Written and verbal
Clinical - Theatre case151 hour1-14Written and verbal
Image evaluation (computer based)*2030 minutes3Computer generated feedback
Portfolio and viva voce3530 minutes (viva)1-21Written and verbal

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Clinical – Multiple Patient (15%), 1 hourClinical - Multiple Patient1-14Within placement period for second attempt or April clinical recovery period for third attempt
Clinical half-day room management session (15%), half-dayClinical half-day room management session1-14Within placement period for second attempt or April clinical recovery period for third attempt
Clinical - Theatre case (15%), 1 hourClinical - Theatre case1-14Within placement period for second attempt or April clinical recovery period for third attempt
Image evaluation (computer based) (20%), 30 minImage evaluation (computer based)3During August clinical recovery period (referral) or May assessment period (deferral)
Portfolio and viva voce (35%), 30 min (viva)Portfolio and viva voce1-21During August clinical recovery period (referral) or May assessment period (deferral)

Re-assessment notes

As it is a contractual and legal requirement to complete the mandatory training prior to placements, it is not possible to offer a reassessment opportunity. If you have mitigating circumstances, you may be given an opportunity to interrupt your studies and complete the mandatory assessment at the next opportunity.

See Medical Imaging Assessment Conventions published in the Medical Imaging handbook https://uemsvle.exeter.ac.uk/ext/mihb/index.php

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Not applicable

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Other resources:

 

  • Baggott R. (2004), Health and Health Care in Britain (3rd edition), Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN 0-333-96159-5
  • Fincham R. and Rhodes P. (2005), Principles of Organisational Behaviour (4th edition), Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0199253975
  • Hannagan T. (2007), Management Concepts and Practices (5th edition), Financial Times Publishing/Prentice Hall, ISBN 978-0273711186
  • Higgs J. et al. (Eds) (2018), Clinical Reasoning in the Health Professions (4th edition), Elsevier, ISBN 978-0702062247
  • Lilley M (2002), An A-Z of Management for Healthcare Professionals, Radcliffe-Oxford, ISBN 978-1857759532
  • Moullin M. (2002), Delivering Excellence in Health and Social Care, Open University Press, ISBN 7-80335-20888-3
  • Roberts-Phelps G. (1999), Working Smarter, Ashford Colour Press, ISBN 1-154181-47-5

Key words search

Medical Imaging; Patient; Radiations; Protection; Anatomy; Pathologies; Protocols; Care.

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

PAM1007; PAM2006

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/09/2004

Last revision date

30/06/2023