Training activity information
Details
Perform QA and/or commissioning under supervision on a range of diagnostic radiology equipment, and analyse and report results to clinical users, including:
- Dental x-ray
- General x-ray
- X-ray fluoroscopy
- CT scanner
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
- Relevant clinical application and protocols
- Selection and limitations of test equipment
- National guidance and legislation surrounding performance testing of x-ray equipment
- Limitations to x-ray image quality including spatial resolution, noise and contrast degradation
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 this activity help you focus on the practical requirements for performing QA and commissioning tests across a range of diagnostic x-ray modalities?
- How will you demonstrate an understanding of the crucial link between technical performance measurements and their impact on clinical image quality and patient safety?
- Why is it important to develop the ability to not only perform tests but also analyse results and communicate findings effectively to clinical users?
- How does this training activity support the requirements of the learning outcomes?
- What do you anticipate you will learn from the experience?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the unique QA and commissioning procedures for dental x-ray, general x-ray, x-ray fluoroscopy, and CT scanners?
- What do you already know about the physics principles of operation and potential technical failure modes for each of these modalities?
- Which specific pieces of QA equipment and software (e.g., dosimetry meters, image analysis suites) do you anticipate learning to use during this session?
- How do you expect this experience to improve your ability to interpret test results against specific national recommendations and local departmental tolerances?
- What effective communication strategies do you hope to develop for explaining technical findings or Level A failures to non-technical clinical users?
- What actions will you take in preparation for the experience?
- How will you structure your discussion with your Training Officer to clarify which specific tests you will perform and the level of supervision required?
- Which national guidelines (e.g., IPEM), local protocols, and work instructions will you review beforehand to ensure your testing methodology is evidence-based and robust?
- What steps will you take to familiarise yourself with the physics principles and potential failure modes unique to each modality before you begin?
- How will you prepare for potential challenges, such as identifying typical QA fails and knowing the practical steps for their rectification?
- What educational resources or image atlases will you use to prepare for the identification of modality-specific image artefacts?
- How do you feel about the responsibility of performing technical procedures on high-cost equipment that directly impacts the patient pathway?
- How do you feel about the challenge of communicating critical findings to a multidisciplinary clinical team under supervision?
In action
- Which specific QA or commissioning tests are you currently performing on the chosen equipment?
- Why are you performing them in this order?
- How are you using the measurement devices and ensuring their correct operation?
- What decisions are you making regarding the data collection and analysis during the QA/commissioning process?
- What aspects of these procedures feel intuitive based on your current knowledge, and which require more focused attention to protocols or guidance?
- Are the tests proceeding as expected? Are you encountering any unexpected readings or issues?
- What challenges are you facing in performing the tests, analysing the data, or interpreting the results against expected tolerances?
- What are you learning about the practicalities of QA and commissioning for different types of diagnostic radiology equipment?
- How does this activity reinforce your understanding of the principles of x-ray imaging technology and quality assurance on x-ray equipment?
- Are there alternative testing methods you might consider if you encounter difficulties?
- Do you need to ask for clarification or assistance from your supervisor regarding specific test procedures or interpretation of results?
- Are you ensuring that your actions are within your scope of practice and follow local protocols?
On action
- What specific QA or commissioning tests were performed on each type of equipment?
- What were the key performance parameters assessed?
- What were the results of the tests? Were they within acceptable limits?
- How were the results analysed and interpreted?
- What information was included in the report to clinical users?
- How did the supervised aspect of the activity influence your approach?
- What are the key QA and commissioning procedures for different diagnostic x-ray modalities?
- How are test results analysed to determine equipment performance?
- What are the relevant tolerances and standards for the equipment tested?
- How do you effectively communicate technical QA/commissioning information to clinical users?
- What is the importance of supervision in performing these activities?
- How will you approach future QA and commissioning tasks on these types of equipment?
- What specific aspects of the procedures do you need to further develop your understanding of?
- How will you ensure clear and concise communication of results to users?
Beyond action
- Have you had opportunities to perform or assist with QA/commissioning on similar equipment since this training activity?
- How do your current skills and understanding compare to your experience during this supervised activity?
- Consider the specific challenges or successes you encountered with each type of equipment. Have you revisited your analysis and reports in light of new knowledge or national recommendations?
- Reflect on any discussions you had with clinical users regarding the QA/commissioning results. Has your understanding of their perspectives and information needs evolved through subsequent interaction?
- How has this hands-on experience of performing QA/commissioning influenced your ability to critically appraise QA results or identify potential equipment issues in your current practice?
- Have the reporting skills you developed during this training activity been transferable to other situations where you need to communicate technical information to non-technical users?
- Consider how your understanding of the differences in QA/commissioning procedures across various modalities (dental, general x-ray, fluoroscopy, CT) has informed your current approach to ensuring equipment safety and performance.
- Identify the transferable skills, such as technical competence in QA/commissioning, data analysis, and communication, that you developed through this activity and how they will support your future independent practice.
- What continued development actions have you identified to further enhance your expertise in QA/commissioning across different diagnostic radiology modalities?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Perform and appraise quality assurance on equipment across a range of diagnostic radiology modalities. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Identify common image artefacts and make recommendations for rectification. |