Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

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

Synopsis

The unit develops a student's existing knowledge of digital imaging systems, evidence based practice and research principles required for practice within the healthcare workforce of the future.
The unit includes digital image processing applied to medical imaging generally and vascular or non-vascular imaging and therapeutic or invasive procedures such as biopsy, stenting or ablation techniques.
Patient care requirements for all diagnostic imaging examinations using contrast media. Digital subtraction angiographic techniques including protocols, positioning, image interpretation and evaluation.
Evidence based practice in diagnostic imaging and the evaluation and application of research in diagnostic imaging.

Objectives

Theme 1

1. review and apply the scientific principles, technological characteristics and relevant applications of digital imaging systems used in vascular and non vascular studies;
2. describe the general applications of information technology in medical imaging and its relationship to digital based imaging systems;
3. use a range of basic digital image processing routines in general or digital vascular imaging and discuss how the application of these tools enables quantitative and qualitative image analysis;
4. apply quality assurance principles to digital imaging systems;

1. appraise the professional challenges posed by patients with special needs to provide effective and safe care to them and those patients undergoing contrast imaging examinations of the gastrointestinal, urinary, hepato-biliary and cardiovascular systems;
2. discuss the use of radiological and other medications and their administration, the control of infection, the administration of oxygen and barium, the maintenance of surgical asepsis and recognition of vital signs;
3. discuss the relevant protocols, positioning and methods employed in digital vascular procedures of the human body and those used in interventional therapeutic procedures and apply radiographic criteria to critique angiographic image appearances;
4. evaluate radiographs/images of the gastrointestinal, urinary and hepatobiliary systems in terms of the condition of the patient, the clinical question, anatomy and image quality factors;

1. discuss how evidence based practice and its application contributes to radiographic practice and identify how a range of research methods and the critique of reported research may be applied to medical radiation sciences research;

1. identify personal learning goals in respect to the development of professional expertise and demonstrate an understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to the clinical management of paediatrics, the elderly and patients in accident and emergency situations;
2. participate in digital subtraction angiographic examinations;
3. implement and evaluate appropriate general radiographic examinations for the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems and the abdomen on adult patients with minimal supervision and modify and adapt basic radiographic methods, techniques and radiation protection strategies for paediatric, elderly and mobile imaging examinations;
4. manage a fluoroscopy session (in or outside of the radiology department) in terms of the radiographer's role, so that an appreciation of the nature of the professional inter-relationship between all members of the multi-disciplinary team is revealed and the team's duty of care obligation to the patient during diagnostic imaging procedures is evident.

Assessment

Assessment
One three hour written examination 40%
A Clinical Learning portfolio (including a Digital Subtraction Angiography Workbook) 30%
A 3,000 word evidence based practice assignment 20%
4 Image Processing Laboratory reports 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Marilyn Baird

Contact hours

Workload 5 x one hour lectures
2 x one hour tutorial
1 x one hour laboratory practical session
4 hours directed study using Blackboard
6 hours clinical studies

Prerequisites

Level 1 of BRadMedImag course