Radiation Protection in Imaging

Details

Title

Radiation Protection in Imaging

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPE112

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to analyse, synthesise, critically evaluate, apply and interpret their knowledge with respect to the biological effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation and will have an awareness of international and national legislation and guidance on the safe use of ionising and non- ionising radiation. They will also be expected to critically appraise the implications for a clinical imaging service.

They will critically evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations using the professional attributes and insights required of a Clinical Scientist in HSST.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will analyse, synthesise, critically evaluate, interpret and apply their knowledge with respect to radiation protection in imaging, including:

• The biological effects of ionising radiation with regard to tissue and stochastic effects at low and high dose and dose rates, and describe the associated risks and effects, taking into account population, age and gender.
• The biological effects of MRI with regard to patient safety, including static field effects, radio frequency (RF) field and gradient field considerations.
• The biological effects of ultrasound at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels, and explain safe operating levels in ultrasound imaging, including thermal and mechanical indices and their use in reducing patient risk.
• Relevant international, EU and UK legislation, recommendations and guidance relating to the safe use of ionising and non-ionising radiation in the healthcare environment, considering occupational, public, environmental and patient exposure.
• Regulatory compliance within a healthcare organisation with respect to the management of a clinical imaging service.
• The process of risk assessments using techniques for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of risk.
• The key considerations for the design of a new facility with regard to staff, patient and public safety, taking into account clinical workflow.
• The procedures for the prevention, investigation, reporting and handling of adverse incidents within a healthcare organisation.
• The functioning of safety systems and safety equipment relevant to their own area of practice with respect to staff and patient safety.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to critically apply their knowledge and understanding, including the evidence base, to develop and evaluate investigative strategies/procedures/processes that take account of relevant clinical and scientific evidence and other sources of information. The Clinical Scientist in HSST in their own area of Medical Physics practice will:

• Interpret and apply the current relevant radiation safety legislation.
• Conduct critical examinations related to patient safety.
• Assess occupational, patient and public risks for a range of clinical procedures based on facility survey and estimated, measured, or calculated dosimetry data and the control measures put in place to minimise those risks, demonstrating an understanding of appropriate instrumentation for each application.
• Give advice on the choice and use of protective equipment related to patient safety.
• Evaluate facilities/systems/procedures in terms of occupational/public safety
• from ionising radiations and/or other physical agents.
• Estimate staff and patient radiation doses (or other physical effects) and advising on associated risks.
• Assess the function of safety systems (e.g. interlocks) with respect to patient, staff and public safety.
• Develop formal systems of work and procedures with regard to radiation safety.
• Develop, deliver and evaluate appropriate programmes for staff training in radiation safety, including assessment.
• Investigate and report adverse incidents (including use of root cause analysis/failure modes and effects analysis or alternative methodology; recommendations of appropriate remedial actions).

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically reflect and apply in practice their scientific skills and clinical knowledge in a variety of clinical situations and will:

• Work with and communicate effectively with professional and regulatory bodies, relevant clinicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Advise and communicate effectively with the patient and the public as determined by the scope of practice.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations. They will also demonstrate the professional attributes and insights required of a Consultant Clinical Scientist working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• Be mindful of relevant legislation, standards and guidelines.
• Identify and perform thorough and objective collection and consideration of all relevant evidence.
• Be objective in providing advice on radiation protection.
• Influence, lead and support staff in the department/organisation to create a culture that recognises the importance of radiation protection.
• Adapt communication skills while working with a range of stakeholders, including clinical and technical staff, suppliers and other external contractors, listening and being sensitive to the views of each stakeholder and ensuring their views are respected.