Training activity information
Details
Develop or audit performance of a basic image processing plugin, module or macro for existing software and write or critically appraise supporting documentation
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
- Image analysis packages
- Quantitative image analysis
- Local and national guidance for software development
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
- Why is it essential for your professional development to gain experience in either developing a basic image processing tool or in evaluating the performance of an existing one?
- How will you demonstrate that you recognise the importance of proper documentation for any software utilised within a clinical environment?
- What is your current understanding of the basic principles of digital image processing as applied in diagnostic radiology?
- What do you anticipate learning regarding the specific requirements and functionality of image processing plugins, modules, or macros?
- In what ways do you expect to develop your knowledge of software development or auditing methodologies during this activity?
- How will you prepare to assess the importance of clear and concise documentation from the perspective of a software user?
- How will you structure your discussion with your Training Officer to clarify whether the scope of your project involves developing a new tool or auditing an existing one?
- Which performance metrics have you identified as being most relevant for auditing the performance of an image processing tool?
- How do you honestly feel about the challenge of engaging with software development or auditing within a specialised medical imaging context?
In action
- If developing, what specific functionality are you currently coding or implementing in the image processing plugin/module/macro?
- What design choices are you making and why?
- If auditing, what aspects of the existing plugin/module/macro’s performance are you currently testing or evaluating? What metrics are you using?
- If writing or appraising documentation, what specific sections are you focusing on? What information are you including or evaluating for clarity and accuracy?
- Which parts of this development/audit/documentation process feel more intuitive based on your programming or technical skills, and which require more problem-solving or attention to detail?
- If developing, is the coding progressing as planned?
- Are you encountering any technical difficulties or bugs?
- If auditing, is the plugin/module/macro performing according to expectations? Are there any performance issues or unexpected behaviours?
- If writing/appraising documentation, is the information clear, concise, and accurate? Does it adequately support the use or understanding of the software?
- What are you learning about image processing software development/auditing and the importance of clear and comprehensive documentation?
- How does this activity relate to your understanding of image processing in diagnostic radiology and health informatics?
- If developing, are there alternative coding approaches you might consider if you encounter roadblocks?
- If auditing, do you need to adjust your testing methods based on the performance you are observing?
- If writing/appraising documentation, are there alternative ways to present the information for better clarity?
- Do you need to seek feedback on the documentation?
- Are you ensuring that your work aligns with any relevant software development standards or regulatory requirements?
On action
- If you developed a plugin/module/macro: What were the key functionalities and how were they implemented?
- What challenges were encountered during development?
- If you audited performance: What criteria were used to assess the performance? What were the strengths and weaknesses identified?
- Regarding the documentation: Was it clear, comprehensive, and accurate? Did it adequately describe the functionality and usage?
- What feedback was provided (if applicable) during the audit or appraisal process?
- What did you learn about the principles of basic image processing in diagnostic radiology?
- What do you now understand about the process of developing or auditing software components (plugins, modules, macros)?
- What did you learn about the importance of clear and accurate supporting documentation for software?
- How has your understanding of criteria for evaluating the performance of image processing tools developed through this activity?
- How will you approach future software development or auditing tasks?
- What aspects of image processing or software development do you need to explore further?
- How will you ensure that documentation is thorough and user-friendly?
Beyond action
- Have you had further opportunities to develop or audit image processing tools or their documentation since this training activity?
- How has your understanding of software development or auditing in this context progressed?
- Consider the specific plugin, module, or macro you worked with. Have you revisited its performance or the supporting documentation in light of new software updates or clinical needs?
- Have you discussed image processing workflows or software with users or IT specialists? Did these conversations provide new perspectives on the importance of effective tools and documentation?
- How has this activity improved your understanding of the role of image processing in diagnostic radiology and its impact on image quality and diagnostic accuracy?
- Have the skills you gained in software development/auditing or technical writing been applicable to other areas of your training or practice?
- Consider how this experience has influenced your ability to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of different software tools used in diagnostic radiology.
- Identify how your skills in software development/auditing, technical documentation, and understanding of image processing will be valuable in your future role, particularly with the increasing use of digital technologies.
- What actions will you take to continue developing your expertise in this area?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 5 |
Outcome
Develop image processing software which supports the application of diagnostic radiology. |