Module information
Details
- Title
- Radiation Protection Culture and Governance
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-DR-S2-2
- Credits
- 10
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will equip the trainee to audit and advise on the application of radiation protection legislation to workplace activities and gain an appreciation of radiation protection culture.
Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2 |
Competency
Review radiation safety governance framework and identify key roles and structure within the organisation |
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 3,4 |
Competency
Complete an audit of compliance against an element of IRMER, and write a report and make recommendations |
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 3,4 |
Competency
Complete an audit of compliance against an element of IRR, and write a report and make recommendations |
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 3,4 |
Competency
Complete an audit of compliance against an element of the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive, and write a report and make recommendations |
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,2,4,5 |
Competency
Create or update radiation safety training materials for a group of staff |
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,4 |
Competency
Review arrangements for outside workers within a department or modality |
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,5 |
Competency
Communicate an explanation of radiation risk to an individual or group |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 3,4 |
Competency
Carry out a patient dose audit for at least two x-ray imaging modalities, in each case compare to relevant local & national diagnostic reference levels and make recommendations including establishment of LDRLs and areas of possible optimisation. |
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 1,2,4,5 |
Competency
Review UK regulatory inspection and/or enforcement reports and identify key issues for local improvement |
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,4,5 |
Competency
Assess radiation hazards and legislative implications for equipment or techniques new to the organisation and make recommendations |
Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Audit compliance against a piece of legislation in a department.
- Audit compliance against employer’s procedures.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Deliver training to clinical staff on radiation risks.
- Discuss recommendations from a legislative compliance review/audit with another healthcare professional.
- Discuss changes to diagnostic reference levels with clinical staff.
- Share improvements to practice with other healthcare professionals.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply the principles of good governance to radiation safety management. |
| 2 | Identify components of a good radiation safety culture. |
| 3 | Perform audits against legislation and make recommendations to improve practice. |
| 4 | Formulate advice on compliance with aspects of legislation. |
| 5 | Explain radiation safety issues and risks to a range of persons including the patient or their representative and staff from a variety of disciplines. |
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:
- Discuss the regulatory framework for radiation safety both internationally and within the UK.
- Critically evaluate organisational structure for managing radiation safety.
- Critically assess the radiation risk in a range of situations and the requirements for communication of the risk.
- Demonstrate extended understanding of current UK radiation safety legislation and its application within healthcare.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the importance of radiation safety culture within an organisation and discuss ways to assess and improve this.
Indicative content
| Basis of radiation protection | Epidemiology data
Radiobiology/cellular experiments ICRP principles Risk models (LNT and hormesis) |
| Regulatory framework | Role of international bodies
Development of legislation and guidance UK legislation and guidance, for example;
|
| Types of radiation exposure | Terminology and definitions
Justification of practices Critical group concept NORM and radon |
| Radiation risk | Principles of hazard and risk assessment
Risk benefit and cost benefit analysis Communicating radiation risk |
| Organisation of radiation protection | Qualified experts
Management framework Documentation Training Record keeping Audit |
| Interaction with competent authorities | UK competent authorities
Authorisation and notification Incident reporting
Inspection and enforcement under radiation legislation |
| Managing staff radiation protection | Classified workers
Outside workers Contractors Co-operation of employers |
| Managing patient protection | IRMER duty holders
Employers’ procedures Diagnostic reference levels Non-medical imaging with medical imaging equipment Research exposures |
| Radiation safety culture | What makes a good safety culture?
Assessment of radiation safety culture Assessing radiation safety issues for new technology and techniques |
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
- Attend a radiation safety committee meeting.
- Attend a radiation regulatory inspection and/or review the results of the latest inspection to appreciate how this influences practice.
- Attend a national meeting discussing radiation safety.
- Attend a patient and public involvement (PPI) or local research ethics committee (REC) meeting for a trial involving additional exposure to radiation.