Training activity information
Details
Review the optimisation framework at a healthcare organisation and contribute to an optimisation process which will complement local policy/framework
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Optimisation groups and relevant stakeholders
- National legislation and guidance
- Medical physics expert (MPE) involvement and input
- Dose management systems
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the intended outcomes of the training activity?
- How will you ensure you develop a thorough awareness of the local policies and frameworks currently in place for radiation dose optimisation?
- Why is it important to recognise your role in contributing to the ongoing, dynamic process of optimisation within a healthcare organisation?
- What do you anticipate you will learn from the experience?
- What do you expect to learn regarding the different components (e.g., technical, clinical, and administrative) that constitute an effective optimisation framework?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain about the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, such as Medical Physics Experts (MPEs), RPA, and Radiographers, in the optimisation process?
- In what ways do you anticipate learning how local policies are developed, implemented, and reviewed within a large clinical department?
- How do you expect this activity to improve your ability to identify specific areas for improvement or gaps within an existing organisational framework?
- What actions will you take in preparation for the experience?
- How will you structure your discussion with your Training Officer to ensure you gain full access to the local optimisation policy and relevant governance documents?
- Which national guidelines and recommendations on radiation protection and optimisation will you review beforehand to provide a benchmark for your appraisal?
- What steps will you take to identify potential areas where local policies could be enhanced or updated to align with current best practices?
- How do you feel about the responsibility of contributing to organisational policies and processes that are fundamental to patient safety?
- Does acknowledging any feelings of uncertainty regarding organisational governance or policy writing help you focus your preparation on the areas where you need the most support?
In action
- What specific components of the healthcare organisation’s optimisation framework are you currently reviewing (e.g., policies, procedures, protocols)? What are your initial observations?
- How are you analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the existing framework in relation to national guidance and best practice?
- What specific aspects of the optimisation process are you currently contributing to? What actions are you taking?
- Which aspects of this review and contribution process feel more familiar based on your understanding of governance and policy, and which require a more in-depth understanding of local context?
- How well do you understand the existing optimisation framework and its implementation within the organisation?
- What challenges are you facing in identifying areas for improvement or in contributing effectively to the optimisation process?
- What are you learning about the complexities of implementing and maintaining an effective optimisation framework in a healthcare setting?
- How does this activity connect to your understanding of patient dose management and the broader quality assurance framework?
- Are there alternative perspectives on the optimisation framework that you should consider?
- Do you need to consult with various stakeholders within the organisation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current framework and its challenges?
- Are your contributions to the optimisation process practical and aligned with local policies and resources?
On action
- What were the key components of the healthcare organisation’s optimisation framework?
- What policies and procedures were in place related to radiation protection and image quality?
- What optimisation processes were currently being used?
- What were the strengths and weaknesses of the existing framework and processes?
- How did your contribution complement the local policy/framework? What specific aspects did you focus on?
- What did you learn about the key elements of an effective optimisation framework in a healthcare setting?
- What about how local policies and procedures guide optimisation efforts?
- What did you learn about the importance of a systematic approach to optimisation?
- How can individual contributions contribute to broader organisational improvements in radiation protection and image quality?
- How will you apply your understanding of optimisation frameworks in future roles?
- How will you identify opportunities for contributing to optimisation processes?
- What factors will you consider when reviewing and contributing to local policies and frameworks?
Beyond action
- Have you had further exposure to or involvement in optimisation frameworks or processes at the healthcare organisation or other institutions since this training activity?
- How does your understanding of these frameworks compare now?
- Consider the specific optimisation process you contributed to. Have you seen the outcomes or impact of this process?
- Have you discussed optimisation frameworks and policies with senior colleagues or members of the radiation protection committee? Did these discussions offer new perspectives?
- How has this activity enhanced your understanding of the broader organisational context of radiation protection and optimisation?
- Has your contribution to the optimisation process influenced your awareness of the importance of local policies and frameworks?
- Consider how this experience has shaped your ability to contribute to quality improvement initiatives within a healthcare setting.
- Identify how your understanding of optimisation frameworks and your ability to contribute to these processes will be valuable in your future role in ensuring effective radiation protection at an organisational level.
- What actions will you take to continue developing your knowledge of radiation protection policies and frameworks?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 6 |
Outcome
Perform a patient dose audit, interpret the results and make recommendations for optimisation strategies. |