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Study information

Cross-sectional Imaging Practice Placement

Module titleCross-sectional Imaging Practice Placement
Module codePAMM114
Academic year2023/4
Credits15
Module staff
Duration: Term123
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 ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
1026315

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities10Pre-clinical Preparation - mandatory training
Placement315Placement learning. Attendance requirements as stated in placement paperwork.
Guided independent study16Preparation for assessment
Guided independent study10Tutor guided online discussion forums in the form of discussion board, consolidation of learning

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Computer based exam30 minutes1-11Electronic (automated)

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
00100

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Computer based exam5030 minutes1-11Electronic (automated)
Portfolio and Professional Discussion (50%)5020 minutes1-17Written
0
0
0
0

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Computer based exam (50%)Computer based exam 30 minutes1-11August/September assessment period
Portfolio and Professional Discussion (50%)Portfolio and Professional Discussion 20 minutes1-17August/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 

MRI web based ‘calculator’

Key words search

clinical skills, clinical development, evidence, research, , physical examination, diagnostics, communication, MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, Computed Tomography, CT, cross-sectional imaging.

Credit value15
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

11/02/2022