Module information
Module details
- Title
- Imaging with Ionizing Radiation 1
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- SPE151
- Credits
- 20
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module provides the trainee with the knowledge that underpins the specialist rotation in Imaging with Ionising Radiation in the second year of the MSc.
Radionuclide Imaging
The trainee can participate in the full range of equipment and clinical functions expected in radionuclide imaging.
Non-Imaging Radionuclide Tests
The trainee can undertake and process non-imaging radionuclide tests and ensure equipment is calibrated and fit for purpose.
Radionuclide Therapy
The trainee can plan and perform radionuclide therapies.
Diagnostic Radiology: Equipment Performance
To enable the trainee to manage the testing and performance of a wide range of diagnostic radiology facilities
Work-based components
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
- Discuss the physical processes behind image formation in nuclear medicine and diagnostic radiology.
- Describe the normal and pathological appearances of images and identify common imaging artefacts.
- Discuss the physical principles and operation of radiographic and nuclear medicine equipment.
- Explain and appraise the factors that affect system performance.
- Critically appraise the legislation and guidance that ensures safe working in the radiation environment.
Indicative content
Fundamentals
- Principles of tracer kinetic method, pharmacokinetics and the use of radiopharmaceuticals as physiological markers and therapeutic agents
- Mathematical and physical principles behind the formation of the image:
- radiographic image
- nuclear medicine
- multiplanar imaging CT/SPECT/PET
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
- imaging with non-ionising radiation
- The physics of radiation interactions with matter in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine
- The key parameters that define optimal image quality for a range of clinical/research applications
- Radiation protection for diagnostic X-rays and nuclear medicine, including:
- biological effects
- protection quantity and units
- risk factors and dose limits
- risk-benefit, cost benefit analysis
- As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA), as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)
- radiation working areas
- protection instrumentation
- engineering controls
- dealing with radiation incidents and incident reporting
- radiation risk and explanation/communication of risk to patients, staff and members of the public
Clinical
- Normal and pathological appearances of nuclear medicine and radiographic images
- Common imaging artefacts (pathological, patient-related, technical and system-related)
- Results from analyses (e.g. qualitative, quantitative) and the context in which they were acquired
Technical
- Design principles and operation of nuclear medicine imaging equipment
- Design principles and operation of radiographic imaging equipment
- Routine quality assurance, assess system performance and perform comparative evaluations
- Dosemeter and contamination monitors for use in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine
Legislation and Guidance
- Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000
- Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010, High Activity Sealed Sources (HASS) Regulations 2006 and other relevant Health and Safety Regulations
- Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000
- Other relevant legislation
- Awareness of other key documents (e.g. ARSAC/MARS, MHRA/GMP, GCP/GLP, etc.) national and local SOPs, policies and procedures
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
Radionuclide Imaging
- Produce a case study for a patient undergoing a nuclear medicine imaging procedure and participate in the multidisciplinary reporting of clinical images for that case study.
- Produce information for patients, including estimation of risk.
- Produce a plan and timetable for acceptance testing of a major piece of imaging equipment, to include evaluation of the equipment in terms of its effectiveness in service delivery and improvement in patient care.
- Produce a report summarising performance testing, calibration and recommended actions for at least one major piece of imaging equipment.
- Perform a literature search on a new or novel imaging procedure and provide a critical report, to include key aspects of innovation and improvement for service delivery and patient care.
- Prepare a standard operating procedure for a new or novel imaging technique, to include, where appropriate, patient handling.
- Perform a radiation risk assessment for a new or novel imaging technique with regard to patients, staff and members of the public.
- Produce or modify image analysis software for a clinical or non-clinical application and include rationale for improvement in patient care.
Non-Imaging Radionuclide Tests
- Carry out an audit of a non-imaging procedure to establish compliance with available guidance.
- Modify and develop data analysis software (as far as local arrangements allow), with independent verification of results, evaluate the development in terms of possible improvements in service delivery and patient investigation and treatment.
- Review a number of patient results and critically appraise the pathway for referral, diagnosis and treatment from a multidisciplinary team.
- Identify a patient referred for a non-imaging investigation. Review clinical details and with the help of medical colleagues assess the results and the implications.
Radionuclide Therapy
- Identify at least two patients undertaking radionuclide therapy and tailor behavioural restrictions based on their individual circumstances. Discuss and review with your supervisor.
- Prepare or modify patient information for a specific procedure and discuss this with your supervisor.
- Advise new ward staff on radiation safety for a particular type of therapy.
- Follow a patient through therapy administration and subsequent monitoring and provide a report prior to discharge. Review and evaluate the monitoring process, including the effect on patient engagement, experience and outcome.
- Participate in the acquisition of data collected to determine tracer retention for patient-specific dosimetry. Discuss your results with your supervisor.
- Prepare an audit to compare local practice with current guidance and recommend any changes required.
- Perform a case study of a particular patient based on their clinical indications, imaging, therapy and post-treatment outcome.
Diagnostic Radiology: Equipment Performance
- In addition to working within the host department, the trainee should visit another diagnostic radiology physics department and compare test equipment, protocols and frequencies. This will enable the trainee to reflect on the procedures and test equipment in the host department, looking at best/poor practice in quality assurance.
- The trainee should compare and contrast available test equipment with regard to specifications and ease of use. This may also include a review of available calibration facilities and the procedures performed on calibration.
- The trainee should attend some multidisciplinary sessions with regard to expanding their clinical knowledge about the uses of ionising imaging.