RTP5104 - Advanced imaging for radiation therapy - 2017

This elective unit is designed to meet the needs of Radiation Therapists seeking to extend their understanding of the principles and application of imaging techniques in clinical practice. Techniques such as such as image fusion and registration, image guidance and adaptive radiation therapy will be studied with a requirement for the student to reflect on clinical practice. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the imaging equipment used in pre-treatment and treatment imaging processes and critically reflect on its application in clinical practice. Students will be able to critically evaluate a range of issues associated with on-treatment imaging, quality assurance and accuracy and reproducibility.

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

1. Critically analyse image fusion and registration techniques and equipment reflecting on their application to clinical practice.
2. Evaluate contemporary approaches and convention related to volume delineation.
3. Describe in detail the techniques and equipment used for pre-treatment imaging and on-treatment imaging and matching.
4. Appraise and reflect on issues associated with the implementation multi-modality imaging in planning and treatment in your clinical centre.
5. Analyse the rationale for employing image matching and adaptive radiation therapy protocols.
6. Evaluate the role of quality assurance in relation pre-treatment and on-treatment imaging.

• Clinical action plan (1,500 words) and comparative reflective analysis (1,000 words) (20%)
• Evidence-based imaging protocol (2,000 words) (20%)
• Oral case presentation (Individual) (20 minutes) (30%)
• Reflective peer review (1,000 words) (10%)
• 4 x Treatment analyses (500 words each) (20%)

Off-campus: 12 hours per week of direct engagement in the learning materials and 12 hours of self-directed study for 12 weeks.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Caroline Wright

Medical radiations and radiation therapy