Module information
Module details
- Title
- Radioactive Materials
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-DR-S1
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 2
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
The module will provide the trainee with an understanding of the management of radioactive materials in healthcare and the ability to audit compliance.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 3, 4 |
Training activities
Carry out an assessment of the environmental impact from releases of radioactive material from the hospital into the environment |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1, 2 |
Training activities
Critically appraise a healthcare facilities best svailable techniques statement and make recommendations |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Carry out an audit of compliance against the requirements of radioactive substances regulation |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Perform a sealed sources wipe test and assist with accounting procedures |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Assist in the preparation of packing a radioactive source for transport and completion of accompanying documentation |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 2, 4, 5 |
Training activities
Draft or critically appraise contingency plans for a spill of radioactive material and loss or theft of a source |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 5 |
Training activities
Deliver training for other healthcare professionals in dealing with a spill of radioactive material |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1, 2 |
Training activities
Participate in annual reporting requirements for radioactive discharges into the environment as required by permit |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 4 |
Training activities
Perform a radon risk assessment for a facility and make recommendations for monitoring requirements |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 4 |
Training activities
Review discharge arrangement for patients following administration of radioactive substances and make recommendations for restrictions |
Type DTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Perform sealed source accounting procedures.
- Measure radiation dose rate from a transport container and calculate transport index.
- Audit a radioactive spill kit.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Provide advice to another healthcare professional on discharge of patient following administration of radioactive substances.
- Discuss recommendations from a review/audit against a permit with another healthcare professional.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Interpret and audit adherence with the regulatory framework around keeping, use and disposal of radioactive material in medicine. |
| 2 | Develop procedures for the safe management and control of radioactive substances. |
| 3 | Perform radiological impact assessments from disposals of radioactive substances. |
| 4 | Assess exposure risk to radioactive materials of critical groups of staff, patients and others in the environment and make recommendations for restriction of exposure. |
| 5 | Develop contingency plans for accidents involving radioactive materials, and train others in how to implement them. |
Clinical experiences
Clinical experiences help you to develop insight into your practice and a greater understanding of your specialty's impact on patient care. Clinical experiences should be included in your training plan and you may be asked to help organise your experiences. Reflections and observations from your experiences may help you to advance your practice and can be used to develop evidence to demonstrate your awareness and appreciation of your specialty.
Activities
- Attend a regulatory inspection or be involved with the variation of a permit.
- Participate in a rehearsal of a contingency plan involving either a spill of radioactive material or loss or theft of a source.
- Attend a nuclear medicine or brachytherapy clinic where radiation risks are being discussed with a patient prior to administration.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Critically appraise the application of legislation governing the holding, use, and transport of radioactive materials.
- Explain the principles of radioactive waste management, including BPM/BAT and environmental impact assessment.
- Justify strategies for responding to incidents involving radioactive materials.
- Apply integrative knowledge of radiation safety requirements following nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapy procedures.
Indicative content
| Regulatory control of radioactive substances | Environmental permitting regulations
ARSAC Transport regulations Control of radon risk |
| Radiation emergency preparedness, resilience and response | HASS
Security of sources REPPIR NAIR scheme National arrangements for health emergency preparedness, resilience and response Radiation monitoring units Emergency exercises |
| Radioactive waste management | Methods of waste management
Environmental impact assessment Best available technique Role of the RWA |
|
Radiation incidents |
Contingency planning and emergency procedures
Dealing with radiation incidents involving radioactive materials Decontamination and contamination monitoring Environmental impact Record keeping and reporting Analysis of realistic radiation incidents |
| Unsealed source therapy | Overview of principles and clinical examples
Radiation protection issues in the hospital Guidance for patients returning home Outpatient treatments Doses to carers and comforters |
Module assigned to
Specialties
| Specialty code | Specialty title | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty code SPE1-6-22 | Specialty title Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology [2022] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-6-23 | Specialty title Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology [2023] | Action View |
| Specialty code SPE1-6-24 | Specialty title Radiation Safety and Diagnostic Radiology [2024] | Action View |