RAD5201 - Emergency image interpretation 1 - 2018

This unit is an elective unit within the Master of Clinical Medicine (Emergency Medicine and Trauma specialisms).

The unit will examine the psychophysics of visual perception and the phenomenon of pattern recognition as a precursor to the development of sound radiographic image interpretation skills.

Students will be provided with opportunities to reinforce their existing knowledge of normal radiographic anatomy including skeletal variants in adults and children.

The unit will specifically develop interpretative skills in the assessment of radiographic images of common conditions affecting the long bones, girdles, cervical spine and chest within the trauma and emergency setting.

The unit will conclude with an introduction to the physical principles underpinning the generation of CT images of the head and neck and develop skills in the interpretation of these images.

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

1. Distinguish between sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in relation to the interpretation of radiographic images in the emergency and trauma context.
2. Critically apply the knowledge of the psychophysics of vision to patterns seen in radiographic images of the long bones, girdles, spine and chest.
3. Apply a logical method to the accurate interpretation of normal and abnormal radiographic images of the long bones, girdles, spine and chest acquired in the emergency and trauma context.
4. Generate informed opinions about radiographic images of common conditions affecting the long bones, girdles, cervical spine and chest in the emergency and trauma context.
5. Differentiate between the various projection modes used to generate multislice CT images of the head and neck.
6. Accurately distinguish between normal and abnormal appearances on multislice CT images of the head and neck.

Students must be employed in clinical positions within emergency and trauma hospital based contexts with access to medical imaging.

• Online imaging anatomy analysis and recognition examination (45 minutes) (20%)
• 1 secure online examination (30 minutes) (15%)
• 1 x online radiographic image interpretation examination (45 minutes) (20%)
• 1 x online CT image interpretation examination (45 minutes) (20%)
• Completion of a medical image portfolio (25 images and reports) (25%)

Hurdle Requirement: Each element of assessment is a hurdle for this unit

Off-campus, 6 hours teacher directed activities via Moodle learning management system. 6 hours of self-directed study in the clinical workplace.

See also Unit timetable information

CT radiography

Medical ultrasound