This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2016 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

RAD4160 - Advanced medical imaging and clinical skills

24 points, SCA Band 2, 0.500 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

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

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Coordinator(s)

Mrs Imelda Williams & Ms Ruth Druva

Quota applies

Enrolment in Semester 1 or Semester 2 offerings are only available to international students with permission of the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.

Offered

Clayton

First semester 2016 (Day)
Second semester 2016 (Day)
Full year 2016 (Day)

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, CT methods and clinical practice, MRI methods and clinical practice and radiographic image interpretation principles and pattern recognition.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

comprehensively and critically describe the physical principles involved in multislice CT imaging including volume imaging, multimodal imaging and cardiac imaging;
implement multislice CT imaging methods and protocols and related interventional procedures including dose reduction strategies in a problem-solving capacity across a diverse range of clinical settings and patients;
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, whilst being cognisant of safety issues including the use of contrast agents;
correlate the appropriate MRI imaging sequence with the clinical indications for the brain, spine and joints of the upper and lower limbs;
recognise and describe the CT and MRI appearance of a range of anatomical structures and pathologies so the technical quality of clinical images may be evaluated;
explain the use of quality assurance measures relevant to multislice CT and MRI;
critically apply the knowledge of psychophysics of vision to patterns seen in radiographic images of the skeleton, chest and abdomen;
synergise image appearances and health assessments using appropriate terminology and critically evaluate medical images with reference to the clinical presentation and exercise professional judgement in respect to providing an informed comment concerning these images to propose further imaging or appropriate treatment management referral through the use of a radiographer opinion form;
critically reflect upon advanced radiographic practice and identify on-going professional development needs especially in relation to CT and MRI scanning, and advanced radiographic patient management.

Assessment

Written examination (CT imaging and CT methods) (2 hours) and computer-based image analysis (1 hour) (20%)
Written examination (MRI imaging and MRI methods) (2 hours) and computer-based image analysis (1 hour) (20%)
2 x General radiography image interpretation examinations (60 minutes each) (20%)
2 x Advanced medical imaging clinical case reports (1,500 words each) (10%)
Evidence based psychophysics essay (1,500 words) (10%)
Clinical portfolio (6,000 words) (20%)

Workload requirements

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.