RAD4502 - Principles of general radiography image interpretation - 2018

This unit is a foundation unit of the Master of CT Radiography Practice and the Master of Advanced Medical Imaging Practice for students who are required to complete a 72 credit point Master's program.

It extends the knowledge students have in relation to imaging pathology into the field of image interpretation.

The unit will provide students with a detailed consideration of the psychophysics underpinning visual perception and the phenomenon of pattern recognition.

The unit will address the radiographic interpretation of skeletal disease and skeletal trauma and the chest and abdomen including issues around the complexity of interpreting the radiographic patterns associated with injuries to the spine.

The unit will provide the opportunity for students to reinforce their existing knowledge related to normal anatomy and normal variants and the growing bone and the mature skeleton on general radiographic images.

Finally, the unit will require students to reflect upon their current clinical decision making processes and extend these processes into the area of general radiography commenting and the concept of the radiographer health assessment.

This unit can also be offered as an elective to current Monash University students enrolled in a requisite Master's degree course.

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

1. Distinguish between sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and interpretation error in relation to the interpretation of general radiographic images.
2. Critically apply the knowledge of the psychophysics of vision to patterns seen in radiographic images of the skeleton, chest and abdomen.
3. Apply a logical method to the radiographic evaluation of bones, soft tissues and joints of the skeletal system, chest and abdomen.
4. Recognise the characteristics of the radiographic representation of common pathologies affecting the skeletal system, chest and abdomen.
5. Create a series of evidence based radiographic comments related to the interpretation of general radiographic images.
6. Exercise professional judgement in respect to delivery of general radiographic services.

Students enrolled in this unit must be employed in a clinical or academic position with access to medical imaging.

• 3 x Online image recognition and analysis examinations (45 minutes each) (20% each) (60%)
• 1 x iSAP Image Interpretation Case report (2,000 words) (25%)
• 1 x Completion of a psychophysics assignment (1,500 words) (15%)

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

See also Unit timetable information

Radiography and medical imaging

Radiation science