Module information
Details
- Title
- Imaging Physics in Cardiology
- Type
- Stage One
- Module code
- HPS111
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Module objective
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to a range of imaging techniques including nuclear cardiology, cardiac computerised tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), will be able to critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge spanning the indications for nuclear cardiology investigations in adult and/or paediatric patients. This will include the clinical significance and how cardiac imaging is integrated into the management of patients with cardiac disease while evaluating and interpreting images. They will consistently demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist within a patient-focused service.
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their expert knowledge of imaging physics in adult and/or paediatric patients, including the:
- indications for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) and equilibrium gated radionuclide ventriculography (ERNV);
- importance of radiation protection;
- methods of stress used in MPS;
- radiopharmaceuticals and protocols used in MPS and ERNV;
- equipment and techniques used in nuclear cardiology imaging;
- clinical value of MPS and ERNV in different clinical settings;
- cardiac CT techniques including contrast administration modalities:
- ultra-fast CT
- coronary angiogram (including grafts and stents)
- indications for:
- calcium score
- CT coronary angiography
- indications and contraindications to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR);
- CMR safety (including consideration of cardiac implants);
- CMR image acquisition and image processing, including:
- CMR imaging protocols (anatomical imaging and functional imaging)
- limitations of CMRCMR safety (including consideration of cardiac implants);
- results of MPS and ERNV studies and integrate them with those of other investigations in clinical practice.
Technical and clinical skills
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance, adaptation and mastery of a range of clinical and communication skills in adult and/or paediatric patients and will:
- evaluate CT examinations in the clinical context with the basic understanding of 2D and 3D analysis;
- interpret images from CMR sequences;
- relate normal and abnormal CMR reports to underlying normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy.
Attitudes and behaviours
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations. They will consistently demonstrate the professional attributes and insights required of a Clinical Scientist in HSST working within the limits of professional competence, referring as appropriate to senior staff, and will:
- appreciate the strengths and limitations of nuclear cardiology investigations in routine clinical practice;
- recognise the roles of the various healthcare professionals involved in nuclear cardiology and be able to interact with them;
- adopt a cooperative approach to radiologists and radiographers;
- be aware of the side effects of contrast media and recognise the risk of radiation to patient and personnel;
- be aware of the limitations of non-invasive imaging;
- appreciate the importance of understanding cardiac anatomy in 3D;
- seek expert advice when appropriate;
- appreciate the importance of providing detailed information about the procedure and its potential complications to patients;
- appreciate the importance of team work with radiologists, radiographers, anaesthetists and technical staff.