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Unit of study_

MRSC5029: Clinical Studies Radiography 4

Intensive January, 2023 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is the final unit of study in clinical education in which students are placed in the clinical environment. This unit provides the student with additional exposure and practice of more complex procedures. At the completion of this unit of study students should be competent in the knowledge and skills required for graduate practitioner entry into the diagnostic radiography profession.

Unit details and rules

Unit code MRSC5029
Academic unit Clinical Imaging
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Susan Said, susan.said@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Susan Said, susan.said@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Placement hurdle task Clinical supervisor final assessment
Professional experience placement
50% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Skills-based evaluation General and Advanced Competency Manual
Clinical skills assessment
0% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Reflective Case Study
Case Study
50% Multiple weeks 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Clinical Supervisor Final Assessment: Students will be assessed on their clinical skills at the end of the placement based on what is expected for a final placement student at the threshold of graduation. However, it is necessary to consistently demonstrate your clinical skills throughout the placement. Remember that all attributes will be assessed constantly; attitude to learning, eagerness to participate, and willingness to be a team player are all important to the final assessment. Clinical practice is about demonstrating an applied knowledge (theory to practice) of diagnostic radiography, and to have the necessary attributes of a health care professional. 

Reflective Case Study:  This case based scenario aims to assess your critical thinking and problem solving skills in clinical practice.  Further details will be published on the Canvas site.

Competency and Advanced Competency Manual: The focus of this assessment is to ensure you are competent to perform a whole range of examinations that you will be expected to perform when you qualify. These records are required to be satisfactorily completed before you can graduate. You must complete this assessment task to pass the entire unit. Failure to complete this assessment will result in you being awarded a Fail grade, regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

As this unit includes placement components, students are reminded that the FMH Sydney School of Health Sciences Placement Provisions apply. https://tinyurl.com/FMH-Placement-Provisions

An automatic fail will be awarded for any assessment item where a student breaches client/ patient privacy. Students must complete all the assessment tasks to pass the entire unit.

Failure to complete any assessment item will result in you being awarded a Fail grade, regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties apply to all assessments. Written work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: It is expected that all students attend the compulsory clinical briefing in this subject in order to commence clinical placement. Students must also attend the clinical debriefing class to consolidate their clinical experience.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Students will be provided with readings and resources on the LMS (Canvas) site which aim to complement your learning in this unit of study.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Collaborate effectively with a range of patients, carers, and multidisciplinary team members during work integrated learning experiences with a high level of personal initiative, autonomy, and accountability.
  • LO2. Model professional behaviour during work integrated learning experiences.
  • LO3. Advocate for the dignity of all patients including diverse cultures and communities.
  • LO4. Manage all Work Health and Safety risks encountered during work integrated learning experiences.
  • LO5. Consistently apply evidence-based practice during work integrated learning experiences.
  • LO6. Execute all imaging procedures and adapt technique effectively for complex patient presentations with a high level of personal initiative and accountability.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways.
1.5.d. Select appropriate equipment and triage patients/clients according to their clinical presentation, national standards and other factors.
1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines.
1.8.d. Safely and effectively deliver medicine to patients/clients, in accordance with procedures.
1A.1.g. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of projection radiography protocols.
1A.2.g. Prepare the patient/client and delivery systems with the appropriate contrast media using aseptic techniques.
1A.2.h. Apply knowledge of medical equipment and prostheses used in the angiography and operating theatre setting.
Domain 2.2.b. Apply the principles of cultural competence and culturally safe care to practice.
Domain 3.1.b. Communicate effectively with the patient/client (and at times beyond the patient/client) to collect and convey information about the proposed examination/treatment.
Domain 3.1.c. Convey knowledge and procedural information in ways that create trust and confidence and respects the patient/client’s confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
Domain 3.1.d. Provide an opportunity for the patient/client to explore the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, the methods used and the usual patient/client experience.
Domain 3.1.f. Make appropriate adjustments to communication style to suit the particular needs of the patient/client including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Domain 3.1.g. Make provisions to engage third parties to facilitate effective communication when needed.
Domain 3.1.h. Obtain informed consent, explaining the purpose, risks and benefits of the proposed examination/treatment.
Domain 3.2.a. Establish and maintain effective and respectful working relationships with health practitioners.
Domain 3.2.b. Understand, acknowledge and respect the roles and responsibilities of healthcare team members and other service providers, and work effectively and collaboratively with them.
Domain 3.2.c. Follow accepted protocols and procedures to provide relevant and timely verbal and written communication.
Domain 3.2.d. Make recommendations to other members of the healthcare team about the suitability and application of the proposed medical radiation examination/treatment, when appropriate.
Domain 4.1.a. Identify the challenge or question and the information that is needed to respond.
Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making.
Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice.
Domain 4.1.d. Recognise opportunities to contribute to the development of new knowledge through research and enquiry.
Domain 4.2.a. Comply with legal and professional responsibilities to complete CPD.
Domain 5.3.a. Check and confirm that all equipment is in good order and operating within acceptable parameters.
Domain 5.3.b. Follow protocols to record details of all routine equipment checks.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
1. Clinical Governance Standard
2. Partnering with Consumers Standard
3. Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard
4. Medication Safety Standard
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
8. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
LO2
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.2.f. Respond appropriately to data errors and/or system failures.
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines.
1.8.e. Actively monitor the effects of medication and manage adverse reactions to medicines, in accordance with protocols.
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
1A.2.g. Prepare the patient/client and delivery systems with the appropriate contrast media using aseptic techniques.
Domain 2.1.f. Apply knowledge of the Australian healthcare system to practice.
Domain 2.1.g. Practice the basic principles underpinning bio-ethics in medical radiation practice and recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues encountered in practice.
Domain 2.1.h. Exercise appropriate levels of autonomy and professional judgement in a variety of medical radiation practice settings.
Domain 2.2.a. Recognise and evaluate the socio-cultural factors that may influence patient/client attitudes and responses to medical radiation services.
Domain 2.2.c. Display appropriate professional behaviour in patient/client interactions.
Domain 2.2.d. Identify and respect appropriate boundaries between patients/clients and health professionals.
Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.
Domain 2.4.a. Support and promote the rights and interests of patients/clients and support them to represent their own interests, when appropriate.
Domain 2.4.b. Recognise when it may be appropriate to intervene on behalf of the patient/client.
Domain 2.4.c. Recognise when an alternative patient/client pathway may be more appropriate and make recommendations to other practitioners.
Domain 2.5.a. Participate in peer assessment, standard setting, mentorship and provide developmental support to other medical radiation practitioners and other members of the healthcare team.
Domain 2.5.b. Use appropriate strategies to effectively supervise students in the work environment and deliver feedback (verbal and written) to the student and the education provider on their performance.
Domain 3.1.a. Establish rapport with the patient/client to understand their issues and perspectives.
Domain 3.1.b. Communicate effectively with the patient/client (and at times beyond the patient/client) to collect and convey information about the proposed examination/treatment.
Domain 3.1.c. Convey knowledge and procedural information in ways that create trust and confidence and respects the patient/client’s confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
Domain 3.1.d. Provide an opportunity for the patient/client to explore the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, the methods used and the usual patient/client experience.
Domain 4.1.b. Find, critically appraise, interpret and apply best available research evidence to inform clinical reasoning and professional decision-making.
Domain 4.1.c. Provide evidence-informed patient/client-centred care by carefully considering the purpose of the proposed examination/treatment, reviewing existing protocols and methods, reflecting on clinical challenges or experiences and integrating knowledge and findings into practice.
Domain 5.2.c. Identify and manage risks associated with patient/client transfer.
Domain 5.2.d. Identify and manage risk of infection, including during aseptic procedures.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
1. Clinical Governance Standard
2. Partnering with Consumers Standard
3. Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard
4. Medication Safety Standard
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
8. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
LO3
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
Domain 2.2.d. Identify and respect appropriate boundaries between patients/clients and health professionals.
Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.
Domain 2.3.b. Recognise and respond appropriately to unsafe or unprofessional practice.
Domain 2.3.c. Integrate organisational policies and guidelines with professional standards and apply to practice.
Domain 3.1.h. Obtain informed consent, explaining the purpose, risks and benefits of the proposed examination/treatment.
Domain 3.2.c. Follow accepted protocols and procedures to provide relevant and timely verbal and written communication.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
1. Clinical Governance Standard
2. Partnering with Consumers Standard
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
8. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
LO4
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.3.b. Understand the modalities and equipment used in the different imaging and treatment pathways across medical radiation practice.
1.3.d. Operate equipment and apply knowledge of laboratory procedures to practice when necessary.
1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines.
1.6.b. Identify the type and method of stabilisation needed for the type and purpose of the procedure and the patient/client condition and presentation.
1.6.c. Use or adapt suitable stabilisation and ancillary equipment.
1.6.d. Perform the appropriate stabilisation before starting the procedure.
1.7.a. Recognise patients/clients whose condition is deteriorating, or who are unable to undergo an examination/treatment and respond to their needs in an appropriate and timely way consistent with standards of safe and high-quality care. This includes calling for emergency help when needed.
1.8.b. Recognise the risks, precautions and contraindications of the use of medicines, informed by the patient’s/client’s current pathology status.
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively.
1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations.
Domain 2.1.f. Apply knowledge of the Australian healthcare system to practice.
Domain 2.1.g. Practice the basic principles underpinning bio-ethics in medical radiation practice and recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues encountered in practice.
Domain 2.1.h. Exercise appropriate levels of autonomy and professional judgement in a variety of medical radiation practice settings.
Domain 2.2.a. Recognise and evaluate the socio-cultural factors that may influence patient/client attitudes and responses to medical radiation services.
Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.
Domain 2.5.a. Participate in peer assessment, standard setting, mentorship and provide developmental support to other medical radiation practitioners and other members of the healthcare team.
Domain 5.1.f. Identify radiation risks and implement effective and appropriate risk management systems and procedures.
Domain 5.1.g. Recognise and report on near misses and their consequences, in addition to adverse events and relevant contributing factors.
Domain 5.2.a. Follow patient/client identification procedures to confirm the correct match of the patient/client with the intended examination/treatment and the correct anatomical site.
Domain 5.2.b. Review, communicate, record and manage patient/client information accurately, consistent with protocols, procedures and legislative requirements for maintaining patient/client records.
Domain 5.2.d. Identify and manage risk of infection, including during aseptic procedures.
Domain 5.2.e. Apply relevant quality frameworks to practice.
Domain 5.3.a. Check and confirm that all equipment is in good order and operating within acceptable parameters.
Domain 5.3.b. Follow protocols to record details of all routine equipment checks.
Domain 5.3.c. Identify and take appropriate action to correct unacceptable condition or operation of all equipment.
Domain 5.3.d. Follow protocols to record and report non-conformance of all equipment.
Domain 5.4.b. Report on all incidents (including radiation and radioactivity incidents) as needed.
Domain 5.4.c. Manage the environmental risks of manufactured radiation and radioactivity.
Domain 5.4.d. Identify, confirm and implement methods of radiation management.
Domain 5.4.e. Use safe and legal methods for managing manufactured radiation sources, including using appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment and complying with shielding requirements.
Domain 5.4.f. Use safe and legal methods for storing and disposing radioactive material and identify and minimise occupancy risks about proximity of radiation and radioactive storage.
Domain 5.4.g. Provide information on radiation-related hazards and control measures to others in the workplace.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
1. Clinical Governance Standard
2. Partnering with Consumers Standard
3. Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard
4. Medication Safety Standard
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
8. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
LO5
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.2.d. Identify and respond appropriately when clinical information is incorrectly associated with the identity of a patient/client and/or examination/treatment.
1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options.
1.4.c. Adapt the requested examination/treatment to an individual patient/client considering available clinical information.
1.5.a. Identify factors or conditions that may affect the patient’s/client’s behaviour and/or capacity to provide informed consent and undergo the procedure and triage patients/clients when needed.
1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines.
1.6.b. Identify the type and method of stabilisation needed for the type and purpose of the procedure and the patient/client condition and presentation.
1.6.c. Use or adapt suitable stabilisation and ancillary equipment.
1.6.d. Perform the appropriate stabilisation before starting the procedure.
1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings.
1.8.b. Recognise the risks, precautions and contraindications of the use of medicines, informed by the patient’s/client’s current pathology status.
1.8.c. Apply knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and the potential range of reactions to medicines.
1.8.d. Safely and effectively deliver medicine to patients/clients, in accordance with procedures.
1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively.
1.9.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of MRI protocols.
1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings.
1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
1A.2.e. Apply knowledge of imaging acquisition modes and radiation dose rates.
1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols.
1A.3.e. Perform and evaluate contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the body and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation and clinical indications.
Domain 2.1.b. Manage personal, mental and physical health to ensure fitness to practise.
Domain 2.1.c. Understand mandatory reporting obligations and the grounds for a voluntary notification.
Domain 2.1.d. Apply the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia’s Code of conduct to practice.
Domain 2.3.a. Make appropriate professional decisions about the care of patients.
Domain 3.1.b. Communicate effectively with the patient/client (and at times beyond the patient/client) to collect and convey information about the proposed examination/treatment.
Domain 3.1.c. Convey knowledge and procedural information in ways that create trust and confidence and respects the patient/client’s confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
Domain 4.2.a. Comply with legal and professional responsibilities to complete CPD.
Domain 4.2.b. Critically reflect on own strengths and limitations to identify learning needed to improve and adapt professional practice.
Domain 4.2.c. Seek input from others to confirm learning needs of self and others to enhance the quality of patient/client care.
Domain 4.2.d. Plan and implement steps to address professional learning and development needs.
Domain 5.1.a. Comply with relevant radiation safety legislation.
Domain 5.1.b. Practice in accordance with relevant radiation safety guidelines.
Domain 5.1.c. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and medical radiation physics to examinations/treatment.
Domain 5.1.d. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and radiation dose adjustment to deliver safe and effective patient/client outcomes.
Domain 5.1.e. Review the referral and associated examinations/treatment prescription to ensure appropriate justification, limitation and optimisation.
Domain 5.2.a. Follow patient/client identification procedures to confirm the correct match of the patient/client with the intended examination/treatment and the correct anatomical site.
Domain 5.2.b. Review, communicate, record and manage patient/client information accurately, consistent with protocols, procedures and legislative requirements for maintaining patient/client records.
Domain 5.2.c. Identify and manage risks associated with patient/client transfer.
Domain 5.2.d. Identify and manage risk of infection, including during aseptic procedures.
Domain 5.4.a. Identify safety hazards in the workplace and respond to incidents (including radiation and radioactivity incidents) in a timely and appropriate manner, in accordance with protocols and procedures.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
1. Clinical Governance Standard
2. Partnering with Consumers Standard
3. Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard
4. Medication Safety Standard
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
8. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
LO6
Professional capabilities for medical radiation practice - MRPBA
1.2.c. Ensure that stored clinical information (information and images) is associated with the correct patient/client and examination/treatment.
1.2.d. Identify and respond appropriately when clinical information is incorrectly associated with the identity of a patient/client and/or examination/treatment.
1.2.e. Manage clinical information (information and images) appropriately and consider the workflow between the different clinical information management systems.
1.2.f. Respond appropriately to data errors and/or system failures.
1.2.g. Ensure clinical information is made available to the appropriate persons involved in the care of the patient.
1.3.a. Understand the different imaging and treatment pathways in medical radiation practice.
1.3.c. Understand use of CT, MRI and PET in the localisation of a range of cancer sites, patient/client presentations and related planning procedures.
1.4.a. Understand the patient’s/client’s clinical history, referral and current medical information to confirm the requested or prescribed procedure is appropriate, drawing on knowledge of other imaging and treatment pathways.
1.4.b. Determine the appropriate imaging and/or treatment protocols and priorities, which consider the information collected during the interaction with the patient/client and knowledge of imaging and/or treatment options.
1.5.a. Identify factors or conditions that may affect the patient’s/client’s behaviour and/or capacity to provide informed consent and undergo the procedure and triage patients/clients when needed.
1.5.c. Identify patients/clients most at risk, including pregnant women and the foetus, breastfeeding mothers and their children.
1.5.d. Select appropriate equipment and triage patients/clients according to their clinical presentation, national standards and other factors.
1.5.e. Identify contraindications and limitations of medical radiation services, determine appropriate adjustments to procedures.
1.5.f. Perform patient/client assessment and medical radiation examination/treatment in accordance with the patient/client need and choice, legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines.
1.6.a. Consider the limitations/restrictions in the use of techniques and devices for reproducibility of procedures concerning the patient’s/client’s condition and presentation.
1.6.b. Identify the type and method of stabilisation needed for the type and purpose of the procedure and the patient/client condition and presentation.
1.6.c. Use or adapt suitable stabilisation and ancillary equipment.
1.6.d. Perform the appropriate stabilisation before starting the procedure.
1.7.a. Recognise patients/clients whose condition is deteriorating, or who are unable to undergo an examination/treatment and respond to their needs in an appropriate and timely way consistent with standards of safe and high-quality care. This includes calling for emergency help when needed.
1.7.b. Apply quality criteria to assure image quality, evaluate medical images and identify any urgent and/or unexpected findings.
1.7.c. If the practitioner identifies any urgent or unexpected findings, take appropriate and timely action to ensure the immediate management of the patient/client.
1.7.d. Provide appropriate patient/client care before, during and after the examination/treatment.
1.8.a. Apply the principles of safe and effective use of medicines to practice.
1.8.b. Recognise the risks, precautions and contraindications of the use of medicines, informed by the patient’s/client’s current pathology status.
1.8.c. Apply knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and the potential range of reactions to medicines.
1.8.d. Safely and effectively deliver medicine to patients/clients, in accordance with procedures.
1.8.e. Actively monitor the effects of medication and manage adverse reactions to medicines, in accordance with protocols.
1.9.a. Operate MRI systems safely and effectively.
1.9.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of MRI protocols.
1A.1.f. Critically evaluate images against radiographic criteria including assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation.
1A.1.g. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of projection radiography protocols.
1A.2.a. Operate fluoroscopy and angiography systems safety and effectively in a range of settings.
1A.2.b. Effectively communicate with the multidisciplinary team as the imaging request, patient history and previous medical images are reviewed, the patient is assessed to receive care and the procedure is planned.
1A.2.c. Prepare the patient/client for the examination, including positioning the patient/client for the best diagnostic outcome. (1A.2)
1A.2.d. Apply knowledge of equipment geometry for procedures.
1A.2.f. Perform image post-processing techniques. (1A.2)
1A.2.h. Apply knowledge of medical equipment and prostheses used in the angiography and operating theatre setting.
1A.2.i. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of fluoroscopy and angiography protocols.
1A.3.a. Operate CT systems safely and effectively.
1A.3.b. Apply appropriate imaging parameters for the patient/client presentation.
1A.3.c. Adjust relative radiation dose levels based on the range of patient/client presentations.
1A.3.d. Collaborate in the design and evaluation of CT protocols.
1A.3.e. Perform and evaluate contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of the body and, when appropriate, modify them to consider patient/client presentation and clinical indications.
1A.3.f. Process data image sets, including multi-planar reformats and volume imaging.
Domain 2.1.a. Understand and comply with legal responsibilities.
Domain 2.1.b. Manage personal, mental and physical health to ensure fitness to practise.
Domain 2.1.c. Understand mandatory reporting obligations and the grounds for a voluntary notification.
Domain 2.1.d. Apply the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia’s Code of conduct to practice.
Domain 2.1.e. Provide relevant information to the patient/client and implement appropriate methods to obtain informed consent.
Domain 2.2.b. Apply the principles of cultural competence and culturally safe care to practice.
Domain 4.2.a. Comply with legal and professional responsibilities to complete CPD.
Domain 5.1.a. Comply with relevant radiation safety legislation.
Domain 5.1.b. Practice in accordance with relevant radiation safety guidelines.
Domain 5.1.c. Apply knowledge of radiobiology and medical radiation physics to examinations/treatment.
Domain 5.3.b. Follow protocols to record details of all routine equipment checks.
Domain 5.4.a. Identify safety hazards in the workplace and respond to incidents (including radiation and radioactivity incidents) in a timely and appropriate manner, in accordance with protocols and procedures.
National Safety and Quality Health Service - NSQHS
1. Clinical Governance Standard
2. Partnering with Consumers Standard
3. Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard
4. Medication Safety Standard
5. Comprehensive Care Standard
6. Communicating for Safety Standard
8. Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard
National Safety and Quality Health Service -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1 A Clinical Governance Standard
2 A Partnering with Consumers Standard
3 A Preventing and Controlling Infections Standard
4 A Medication Safety Standard
5 A Comprehensive Care Standard
6 A Communicating for Safety Standard
8 A Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration Standard

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Unit of Study Survey feedback from previous iterations has been considered and implemented. Additional support in preparing graduates for the workforces has been added to the unit at students request.

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Medicine and Health Handbook: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/health_sci/postgraduate/coursework/diagnostic_radiography_master.shtml 

The handbook also includes specific Clinical Education information on your course:

All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies governing their enrolment and progression. This handbook provides a direct link to the University of Sydney’s Coursework policy and Faculty provisions.

The Work Integrated Learning Canvas site also provides information specific to Sydney School of Health Sciences placements such as essential preparation, forms and policies.

https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/9121

Additional costs

This unit requires students to own a complete set of metal markers, which are to be purchased at their own expense. A rural placement is an essential requirement of the clinical program and will incur additional personal expense. Scholarships are available. Please refer to the work integrated learning canvas site for further information.

Work, health and safety

Prior to attending clinical placement, all students must have received a complete compliance check from NSW Health. Students will not be allowed on any clinical site if they have not reached the minimum vaccination requirements.
Compulsory requirements for undertaking clinical placement include:
• A national police check clearance letter
• A complete vaccination record card
• CPR certificate
• Complete the NSW Health Code of Conduct module
• Have full clinical uniform
• Have a current PRM (provided by the University)
• Have a complete set of lead markers (students are to purchase these at their own expense)

Before you can undertake placement. You can find more information at:

https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks.html

You will need to be verified by NSW Health a minimum of six weeks prior to the start date of placement in preparation for your  placement. Students who are not verified will NOT be able to attend placement.

Further, students must have an up-to-date declaration (in Sonia) that they have read and understood key documents related to privacy and confidentiality, codes of conduct, NSW Health policies and general communication/ email etiquette. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent you from being allocated to and/or completing a placement or placement unit of study irrespective of your enrolment status.

Consistent with New South Wales WHS legislation, you are required to complete a WHS induction within the first few days of placement, and if relevant, at any time your placement requires you to work in another setting.  This is an essential legal requirement to ensure that all risks are minimised for you, and others for whom you are responsible. The University has a duty of care to you to ensure you have been inducted appropriately.  Similarly, you are responsible for demonstrating that you are aware of and know how to manage risk appropriately. You must complete the WHS Checklist from Sonia.

 

The Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Workers) Order 2021 directs that a healthcare worker – including students, volunteers and those undertaking administrative duties - must not do work as a healthcare worker unless they have received: 

  • at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before 30 September 2021, and 
  • at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine before 30 November 2021

This is a requirement for health care workers within NSW Health and private health facilities, or others so directed by the Chief Health Officer, and the vaccine must be one that is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.