RAD5110 - Advanced CT and clinical decision making 1 - 2018

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

radiographers 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.

Radiographers 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 radiographers best practice in relation to the production of high quality diagnostic multi-planar and 3D images from images from brain and body perfusion, and CTA 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.

Upon successful completion of this unit, radiographers will be able to:

1. Communicate an informed understanding of the principles of CT radiation dose, including CTDI, DLP and effective dose
2. Implement dose minimisation techniques/strategies in clinical CT practice ;
3. Critically apply knowledge of pharmacological principles of intravenous iodinated contrast media
4. Critically assess risk factors and contraindications to the use of intravenous iodinated contrast media in advanced CT practice
5. Analyse and refine CT pre-examination patient questionnaires
6. Implement evidence based CT imaging protocols for brain and body perfusion studies based on clinical indications
7. Provide high quality patient care while managing health service resources
8. Produce and critically evaluate high quality diagnostic multi-planar and 3D images from cerebral, neck, thoracic, abdominal, and extremity arteries CTA studies through the competent use of advanced workstations
9. Communicate the CT appearances of a range of common vascular disorders
10. Foster inter-professional collaboration through communication of CT risks, methodology and CT appearance of common pathology

• Secure online test (60 minutes) (10%)
• Secure online test (90 minutes) (20%)
• 3 x Advanced CT radiography case studies (1,500 words) (10% each) (30%)
• Clinical portfolio (5,000 words) (40%) (hurdle)

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

CT radiography

Medical ultrasound