Module information
Module details
- Title
- Diagnostic Radiology Physics
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-DR-S3
- Credits
- 15
- Phase
- 3
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will provide trainees with the practical skills and knowledge to work effectively as diagnostic radiology professionals.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Contribute to a specification for a new piece of diagnostic x-ray equipment, and discuss the requirements with users to inform the specification |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Perform an inter-comparison between two radiation dose measurement devices used in diagnostic radiology x-ray quality assurance (QA) |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Training activities
Perform QA and/or commissioning under supervision on a range of diagnostic radiology equipment, and analyse and report results to clinical users, including:
|
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Training activities
Assist with QA and/or commissioning on a range of diagnostic radiology equipment, and analyse and report results to clinical users, including:
|
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 3 |
Training activities
Identify and make recommendations to rectify common image artefacts, including:
|
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 2,3,4 |
Training activities
Investigate a Level A QA fail and ascertain whether the equipment is suitable for continued clinical use. Communicate your findings with the clinical user |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Critically appraise an element of QA testing against national recommendations including appropriate tolerances and work instructions |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Training activities
Review performance levels of image display devices and carry out performance testing |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 5 |
Training activities
Develop or audit performance of a basic image processing plugin, module or macro for existing software and write or critically appraise supporting documentation |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 6 |
Training activities
Carry out a patient dose audit for at least two x-ray imaging modalities |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 11 | Learning outcome 6 |
Training activities
Review patient dose and image quality to make recommendations for optimisation for a specific imaging task |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 12 | Learning outcome 6 |
Training activities
Review the optimisation framework at a healthcare organisation and contribute to an optimisation process which will complement local policy/framework |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 13 | Learning outcome 7 |
Training activities
Assess the relative benefit and compare image quality parameters between modalities, and relate the image quality needs to the clinical application |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 14 | Learning outcome 7 |
Training activities
Critically appraise the clinical application of at least two diagnostic x-ray imaging modalities, their relative limitations and benefits and their impact on the patient pathway |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 15 | Learning outcome 7 |
Training activities
Develop and deliver a training/update session on diagnostic radiology practice |
Type DTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 3 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 3 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Perform tube and generator tests for a general x-ray unit or fluoroscopy system.
- Perform image quality tests for a general x-ray unit, fluoroscopy system or CT scanner.
- Identify artefacts in an image and discuss how to rectify the artefact.
Observed Clinical Event Titles
- Feedback to users as to whether a diagnostic radiology system is suitable for clinical use and what remedial action is required (if any).
- Discuss with an end user the clinical need for image quality.
- Present the results of a patient dose audit to the local team, optimisation group or quality assurance group including suggestions for how to optimise image quality and patient dose.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Develop a specification for the procurement of diagnostic radiology equipment considering user requirements. |
| 2 | Perform and appraise quality assurance on equipment across a range of diagnostic radiology modalities. |
| 3 | Identify common image artefacts and make recommendations for rectification. |
| 4 | Assess user level quality assurance processes, supporting users in their implementation. |
| 5 | Develop image processing software which supports the application of diagnostic radiology. |
| 6 | Perform a patient dose audit, interpret the results and make recommendations for optimisation strategies. |
| 7 | Appraise the relative benefits and limitations of diagnostic radiology modalities in clinical practice. |
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
- Observe a reporting session with a reporting Radiographer or Radiologist.
- Observe Radiographers performing examinations for example in x-ray and CT.
- Attend a planning meeting for writing or refining equipment specification documents, or for selecting x-ray equipment.
- Attend a meeting to discuss hybrid imaging/radiotherapy imaging to appreciate the teamwork with medical physics colleagues required to ensure safe practice.
- Attend an apps training session.
- Attend an optimisation meeting.
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:
- Apply integrative knowledge of the principles behind x-ray imaging technology, including projection radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, and computed tomography.
- Critically evaluate the parameters used to assess image quality and radiation dose in diagnostic radiology.
- Appraise the commissioning and quality assurance tests for each diagnostic x-ray equipment modality.
Indicative content
| X-ray projection imaging | Geometry of projection imaging
Image receptors:
Examples of applications Examples of artefacts |
| X-ray fluoroscopy, digital subtraction angiography | Construction and operation of the x-ray image intensifier
Digital mask subtraction and applications of DSA Cone beam CT as an application of fluoroscopy |
| Mammography | Specific requirements of breast imaging
The modern digital mammography system Breast tomography Breast screening programme |
| Computed tomography (CT) | Reconstruction methods
Geometry and components of CT scanners Image artefacts Spiral and multidetector CT CT applications:
|
| Radiotherapy imaging | Portal imaging
Megavoltage imaging Cone-beam CT |
| DEXA | Principles and applications of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry |
| Image display | Hard and soft copy display systems
QA of imaging display systems |
| Development of imaging equipment | Cycle of new equipment development
New and emerging technologies Hybrid imaging technologies |
| The commissioning process | Purchasing process and acceptance testing
The critical examination process |
| Limitations to x-ray image quality | Spatial resolution
Noise
Noise Power spectrum Contrast degradation
Noise and spatial resolution in systems |
| Optimisation of x-ray image quality | Relationships between spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio and radiation dose
Examples of the optimisation process |
| Patient dosimetry in diagnostic radiology | Patient dose parameters and their calibration
Measurement and calculation techniques including assessment of uncertainties Calculation of effective dose and risk for individual patients, including uncertainties Patient dose surveys Electronic dose data collection Typical doses and risks in diagnostic radiology Assessment of skin and organ dose |
| Quality assurance on x-ray equipment | Background and guidance on QA and QC of x-ray equipment
The life cycle of equipment Examples of QA tests and the presentation of results (including practical demonstration) |
| Health informatics and governance | Networking and the networking environment
Systems
Interoperability and workflows
Non-linear nature of visual perception DICOM greyscale display function Legislative framework for IT Data protection and related guidelines System management Software regulatory standards |
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 |