Undergraduate - UnitRAD4160 - Advanced medical imaging and clinical skills

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This is a core unit of year 4 designed to provide students completing the final year of the Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging with knowledge and skills in advanced multislice computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging methods, radiographic image interpretation and advanced decision making with respect to imaging and the radiographic management of the patient. The unit comprises three elements namely multislice CT physics, methods and clinical practice, MRI methods and clinical practice and radiographic image interpretation principles and pattern recognition.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. comprehensively and critically describe the physical principles involved in advanced multislice CT imaging including volume imaging, multimodal imaging and cardiac imaging;
2. critically describe and justify the selection of clinical CT and MRI imaging protocols and related interventional procedures whilst being cognisant of safety issues including the use of contrast agents;
3. recognise and describe the appearance of a range of anatomical structures and pathologies as found in multislice CT and MRI so the technical quality of clinical images may be evaluated;
4. prepare the co-operative patient for the implementation of multislice CT scanning protocols while being cognisant of professional, procedural, organisational and legal;
5. conduct pre-scanning screening of MRI patients and provide clear instructions of the procedure prior to performing MRI scans to the beginner stage of professional development;
6. demonstrate familiarity with and appropriately use CT and MRI workstation software to provide a range of image options in these modalities;
7. critically explain the use of quality assurance measures relevant to medical multislice CT and MRI to enable proficient discussion of the safety issues related to these modalities;
8. critically apply the knowledge of psychophysics of vision to patterns seen in radiographic images of the skeleton, chest and abdomen;
9. synergise image appearances and health assessments using appropriate terminology, to propose further imaging or appropriate treatment management referral through the use of a radiographer opinion form;
10. identify personal learning goals with respect to CT and MRI scanning, and radiographic image interpretive and patient management skills.

Assessment

1500 word evidence based psychophysics essay 10%
3 hour written exam with 4 elements: CT methods; MRI methods; CT technology and Image analysis 40%
Clinical workbook and portfolio to include competence based assessments 30%
2 x 1000 word Evidence Based Radiographer Health Assessment case reports 10%
1 hour computer based pattern recognition test 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Contact hours

The academic elements comprise a 4 hour workshop, 8 hours of lectures, a 12 hour distance education package. The student is expected to undertake one hour of self-directed study for each contact/directed hour. Clinical experience comprises: 4 extended periods of 20 hours of supervised and directed clinical practice in MSCT and MRI.

Prerequisites

An overall pass at Level 3 of the BRadMedImag.