wwwdev@monash.edu.au
Tue Oct 6 02:34:14 EST 1998
Auth: S Steele, University Webmaster
Copyright © Monash University 1998 - All Rights Reserved - Caution
Throughout the course students will receive clinical experience that will complement their academic studies. This experience will include rosters to rural hospitals in Victoria, major metropolitan teaching hospitals, other public and private metropolitan hospitals and private radiology practices. Interstate experience in Tasmania will also be available. Whilst students are expected to be appropriately supervised at all times when they are in the clinical setting, their conduct with patients must conform to professional expectations. Students are expected to uphold the ethical standards of practice established by the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR) in its publication, Guidelines for professional conduct for radiographers. In essence the principles of conduct are based on 'respecting self-determination and autonomy, doing good and avoiding harm (nonmaleficence), being honest, keeping promises and maintaining confidentiality (respecting privileged information)' (Kowalczk and Donnett,1996). A thorough understanding of the AIR guidelines provided to students will assist them to determine proper conduct in specific situations.
Under the Health (Medical Radiation Technologists) Regulations 1997, graduates from all approved courses in radiography and medical imaging must register with the board to practise as a radiographer in the State of Victoria.
Students
in all years of the course are required to undertake clinical studies in
hospitals or clinics associated with the university. Normally students are
under the control and supervision of clinical teachers which affords some
protection to them in the event of them incurring liability towards any patient
with whom they may have come into contact.
However students are strongly advised to apply to the Australian Institute of
Radiography for student membership which will provide them with professional
insurance protection in the unlikely event that they incur liability towards a
patient.
All enrolled students, as members of the university's Sports and Recreation
Association at Monash University, are automatically members of a personal
accident insurance scheme. The current policy is restricted to claims resulting
from accidents whilst a student is engaged in university/campus related
activities. The administrative officer at the Sports and Recreation Association
(telephone 9905 4101, fax 9905 4104) can provide further information.
During contact with patients, students will realise the need to develop sensitivity to patients' varying personalities and needs. Courtesy, kindness and sympathetic understanding are just as important in the care of the sick as are the technical skills which you will also be learning to acquire.
Students must conduct themselves in a manner which is acceptable to patients and which does not undermine their confidence or endanger their health. A neat appearance together with a quiet and sympathetic demeanour inspires the patients' confidence and will be helpful in your work.
Australian Institute of Radiography Guidelines for professional
conduct for radiographers AIR, 1995
Kowalczyk N and Donnett K Integrated patient care for the imaging
professional Mosby, 1996
For
the protection of other students and themselves, students in the radiography
course should comply with certain precautionary procedures. These consist of
confidential tests for immune status (including blood tests and skin tests),
receiving vaccines and having X-rays where the evidence indicates these are
appropriate and there are not specific contraindications in individual
cases.
This policy is in accord with the National Health and Medical Research Council
advice that educational institutions training students in health sciences
should ensure that such students are protected as far as possible by
vaccination against risks of infection.
The faculty recommends that all students accept responsibility for having
up-to-date immunisations before commencing the radiography course.
Immunisations recommended are diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps,
rubella, tuberculosis and hepatitis B.
Prospective students should note that on enrolment, students are provided with
detailed written information and, as appropriate, counselling about the effect
that HIV or hepatitis B infection may have on the ability of health care
workers to practice their profession. In addition, arrangements will be made by
the faculty for every student to have a personal consultation, early in the
first year, with an infectious diseases physician. At this time, a check for
each student's immunity to diseases such as tuberculosis will be conducted and
students will be offered personal advice and counselling about infectious
diseases and their personal health.
wwwdev@monash.edu.au
Tue Oct 6 02:34:14 EST 1998