Program Overview

Introduction to Clinical Practice Diagnostic Imaging

The Introduction to Clinical Practice in Diagnostic Imaging (ICP) is a module designed to introduce students to clinical placement, allowing them to integrate into the healthcare team and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills as a diagnostic radiographer. Critical reflection on clinical practice is a key component of this module, demonstrating the importance of learning in and from clinical practice.

Generic Learning Outcomes

By the end of ICP, students will be able to:

• Identify the key components of X-ray tubes, tables, and accessories and describe their operation
• Identify the display components of generator control consoles and demonstrate their functions
• Demonstrate safe and effective handling and positioning of X-ray tubes
• Demonstrate safe and effective use of collimation devices
• Describe and demonstrate correct utilization of moving and stationary secondary radiation grids, erect buckys, and cassette holders
• Make X-ray exposures safely whilst implementing radiation safety measures for patients and staff
• Identify and demonstrate the correct use of radiation protection and safety devices
• Identify and differentiate between image receptors for CR and DR systems in general use
• Demonstrate correct patient reception and positive identification
• Demonstrate effective communication interaction with patients
• Demonstrate application, where relevant, of pregnancy check and 28/10 day rule according to local protocol in a courteous manner with consideration for patient confidentiality
• Demonstrate the use of moving and handling techniques safe for patients and staff
• Demonstrate awareness of and discuss the reasons for local policies for disposal of waste
• Describe the location of emergency equipment and emergency procedures for fire and cardiac arrest
• Select the image receptor appropriate for each examination and demonstrate its correct use
• Demonstrate correct use of anatomical markers and image identification devices
• Describe and demonstrate the correct technique for all examinations specified for the clinical placement by:
  • Identifying and examining the patient correctly
  • Selecting and utilizing the correct equipment and accessories
  • Positioning the patient, X-ray tube, and image receptor correctly
  • Selecting correct exposure technique
  • Applying radiation protection protocols correctly
  • Demonstrating appropriate standards of care of the patient, before, during, and after the procedure
  • Completing documentation correctly as per local protocol
• Evaluate radiographs for:
  • Correct patient identification
  • Evidence of collimation and, where appropriate, gonad protection
  • Quality of patient positioning
  • Quality of image contrast, density, and exposure index/sensitivity value
  • Radiographic appearances and the presence or absence of pathology
  • Further action required

Specific Learning Outcomes

Routine Radiography

By the end of ICP, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to perform correctly and in their entirety, routine projections of:
  • Fingers and hand
  • Wrist and carpal bones
  • Forearm
  • Elbow
  • Humerus
  • Shoulder girdle
  • Toes and tarsal bones
  • Ankle
  • Tibia and fibula
  • Knee
• Demonstrate the ability to perform correctly and in their entirety, the routine projections of:
  • Femur and hip
  • Pelvis and sacroiliac joints
  • Thorax
  • Cervical spine
  • Thoracic spine
  • Lumbar spine
  • Sacrum and coccyx
• Demonstrate the ability to perform correctly and in their entirety, routine examinations of:
  • Thoracic contents
  • Soft tissues of the neck and thoracic inlet
  • Abdominal contents
  • Gall bladder
  • Kidneys, ureters, and bladder

Administrative Processes

By the end of ICP, students will be able to:

• Receive patients at reception and register them correctly using the local administrative systems and procedures
• Process request forms correctly according to local protocol
• Obtain previous reports, images, and records as appropriate
• Describe the department appointment systems
• Describe and discuss local patient information documents and preparation instructions

Image Processing

By the end of ICP, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate correct identification of the radiographic image
• Identify, describe, and demonstrate the function and controls of computerized and digital image processors