RAD4501 - MRI imaging and evidence based practice - 2018

This unit is a foundation unit of the Master of CT Radiography Practice and the Master of Radiography Practice for students who are required to complete a 72 credit point Master's program. It extends knowledge of the basic physical principles of MRI and addresses safety and the protocols and processing methods used to image the brain, spine, upper abdomen, pelvis and the knee and shoulder. The unit will introduce the student to the concept of evidence - based health care practice and how the principles apply to MRI radiography practice. The unit will examine the role played by the radiographer in the operationalization of safety principles within the MRI suite. Clinical indications and the preparation of the patient including the correct positioning methods for the brain, spine, upper abdomen, pelvis, knee and shoulder will be addressed. The purpose of the common sequences used to image the specific organs and structures will be covered and students will learn how to select the most appropriate imaging protocol for the common sequences from within an evidence - based framework. The unit will enable students to recognise the characteristics of the MRI representation of the common pathologies affecting the brain, spine, upper abdomen, pelvis, knee and shoulder. The unit will conclude with an examination of the application of quality assurance and quality control principles to MRI imaging.

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

1. Apply the principles of evidence-based health care practice to the delivery of MRI imaging in the clinical context.
2. Explain the role played by the radiographer in the application of safety principles within the MRI suite.
3. Describe a range of clinical indications, patient presentations, patient preparation and positioning methods for MRI studies of the brain, spine, upper abdomen, pelvis, the knee and shoulder.
4. Select the appropriate MRI protocol and post processing techniques for MRI studies of the brain, spine, upper abdomen, pelvis, the knee and shoulder from within an evidence-based framework.
5. Recognise the characteristics of the MRI representation of common pathologies affecting the brain, spine, upper abdomen, pelvis, the knee and shoulder.
6. Accurately apply the principles of quality assurance and quality control to MRI imaging in the clinical context.

• 1 x Secure online MCQ examination covering the principles of MRI safety, sequence selection and imaging parameters (60 minutes) (20%)
• 1 x Secure online image recognition and analysis examination (60 minutes) 20%)
• 2 x Advanced MRI clinical case studies (1,500 words each) (40%)
• 1 x technical quality assurance and quality control report (1,000 words) (20%)

Each element of assessment is a hurdle requirement for the unit.

Off-campus: 12 hours per week for 12 weeks.

See also Unit timetable information

Radiography and medical imaging

Radiation science