Postgraduate - UnitRAD5110 - Advanced CT radiography and clinical decision making 1

This unit builds upon existing knowledge radiographers have about modern multislice CT practice including dose reduction strategies and the need to tailor the CT protocol to the clinical indications. The unit will require students to use verified methodologies to implement a range of advanced CT protocols and post-processing approaches when dealing with patients who present for cerebral and neurological CT examinations. Students will critically examine the evidence informed body of knowledge about CT radiation dose, including CTDI, DLP and effective dose and implement dose minimisation techniques/strategies in adult and paediatric cerebral and neurological CT examinations. The unit will address the issue of the widespread use of iodinated radiographic contrast media through an in-depth analysis of risks and benefits for the adult and paediatric patient presenting for CT. The unit will teach students best practice in relation to the production of high quality diagnostic multi-planar and 3D images from images from brain and body perfusion, cerebral CTA studies through the competent use of advanced workstations. The unit will acknowledge the importance of clinical judgement and decision making within the context of image interpretation. Students will learn how to develop a series of CT radiographer comments in relation to emergency cerebral and neurological CT examinations and compare their comments against the gold standard.