Training activity information
Details
Assist with QA and/or commissioning on a range of diagnostic radiology equipment, and analyse and report results to clinical users, including:
- Mammography
- Radiotherapy imaging
- Complex x-ray fluoroscopy
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
- National guidance and legislation surrounding performance testing of complex x-ray equipment
- Relevant clinical application and protocols
- Choice and limitations of test 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?
- Why is it essential for your professional development to gain experience by assisting with the QA and commissioning of specialised x-ray equipment?
- How will this activity help you recognise the importance of analysing technical test results and contributing to the final report for clinical users?
- In what ways will this experience help you bridge the link between the technical performance of specialised systems and their specific clinical applications?
- 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 mammography, radiotherapy imaging (e.g., portal imaging, cone-beam CT), and complex x-ray fluoroscopy?
- How do you anticipate this experience will enhance your understanding of the teamwork required with medical physics colleagues, particularly in the context of ensuring safe practice in radiotherapy imaging?
- How do you expect to learn how these specialised QA processes directly address the clinical safety requirements unique to these modalities?
- What is your prior experience of this activity?
- What do you already know about the principles of operation and the modality-specific challenges associated with mammography, radiotherapy imaging, and complex fluoroscopy?
- Based on your previous experience with general x-ray or CT, what technical or safety differences do you expect to encounter when working with these more advanced systems?
- What actions will you take in preparation for the experience?
- How will you structure your discussion with your Training Officer to ensure you have a clear understanding of your specific role in assisting with these procedures and the equipment involved?
- Which specific protocols, local work instructions, or national guidelines (e.g., IPEM) will you review beforehand to ensure you understand the critical parameters being measured?
- What steps will you take to familiarise yourself with the basic physics principles and potential failure modes unique to these advanced imaging systems?
- How do you feel about the challenge of assisting with complex technical procedures on high-cost, specialised equipment?
In action
- What specific tasks are you currently assisting with during the QA or commissioning of this equipment? How are you contributing to the overall process?
- How are you observing and learning from the actions of the person you are assisting? What are you paying particular attention to?
- What questions are you asking to enhance your understanding of the procedures and the rationale behind them?
- Which aspects of the assistance process feel more familiar, and which are entirely new to you?
- How well are you understanding the steps involved in the QA/commissioning procedures for these specialised modalities?
- What challenges are you observing or anticipating during this activity?
- What are you learning about the differences in QA/commissioning requirements for mammography, radiotherapy imaging, and complex x-ray fluoroscopy compared to other modalities?
- How does this experience connect with your developing knowledge of these specific imaging modalities and the importance of quality assurance?
- Are there alternative ways you could offer assistance or contribute more effectively to the team effort?
- Do you need to seek clarification on any of the processes or terminology being used?
- Are you ensuring your contributions are appropriate for your level of training and under the guidance of your supervisor?
On action
- What specific QA or commissioning tests were you involved in assisting with for each type of equipment?
- What were the roles and responsibilities of the individuals leading the QA/commissioning?
- What were the key performance parameters being assessed?
- How were the results analysed and interpreted?
- What was the process for reporting the results to clinical users?
- What were the differences in QA/commissioning procedures compared to the equipment in training activity 3?
- What are the key QA and commissioning considerations specific to mammography, radiotherapy imaging, and complex x-ray fluoroscopy?
- How does assisting with these activities contribute to your understanding of the overall process?
- What are the teamwork and communication aspects involved in QA and commissioning?
- How are the results used to ensure the equipment is safe and effective for clinical use?
- What aspects of QA and commissioning for these complex modalities do you want to learn more about?
- How will you apply the knowledge gained from assisting to future tasks?
- What questions will you ask in future similar situations to enhance your understanding?
Beyond action
- Since assisting with QA/commissioning on mammography, radiotherapy imaging, and complex x-ray fluoroscopy, have you had opportunities to observe or participate in these activities again? How has your understanding deepened?
- Reflect on the complexities and specific considerations for QA/commissioning in these specialised areas. Have you compared your initial understanding with more recent learning or national guidelines?
- Consider the interactions with clinical users during the reporting of results. Have you engaged in further discussions that have provided new insights into their specific concerns for these modalities?
- How has assisting with QA/commissioning in these complex areas enhanced your appreciation of the teamwork required with medical physics colleagues to ensure safe practice?
- Have you been able to apply your understanding of the specific QA challenges in mammography, radiotherapy imaging, or complex fluoroscopy to other aspects of your training or practice?
- Consider how this experience has broadened your understanding of the range of diagnostic radiology equipment and the unique QA requirements for each.
- Identify how the skills gained in understanding complex QA procedures and communicating with specialist users will be valuable in your future career.
- What are your plans for continued development in these specialised areas of diagnostic radiology physics?
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. |