MRS342 Image Critique and Image Interpretation (16)

This subject aims to formally develop fundamental image critique and interpretation skills for conventional radiographic images of the chest, abdomen and musculoskeletal system using authentic clinical scenarios. The theoretical modules of this subject are designed to enable diagnostic radiography students to critically evaluate radiographic images, identify and describe normal appearance and common abnormalities, create a descriptive interpretation and correlate the findings with relevant clinical history to help make informed clinical decisions in response to patient presentation or changing condition. Students will develop critical evaluation and reflective skills relevant to the practice of diagnostic radiography. The subject is aligned to the practicum subject MRS275 Radiographic Techniques 1 so that practical experiences inform the understandings development in this subject.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2022.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

Two sessions

School

Centre of Rural Dentistry and Oral Health

Enrolment Restrictions

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography)

Prerequisites

MRS120 and MRS121

Incompatible Subjects

MRS341

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to critically evaluate and justify the efficacy of planar imaging correlating with the clinical history, using evidence based practice and with consideration of client centred care (MRPBA Domains 1.3a & 1.4a);
  • be able to critically evaluate image quality and positioning against radiographic criteria to include assessment of exposure index, field of view and anatomical rotation for planar chest, abdomen and musculoskeletal x-rays (MRPBA Domains 1.7b & 1A.1f);
  • be able to perform accurate oral and written interpretations using a systematic approach, to accurately identify and describe normal, variant, abnormal radiographic appearances including urgent and/or unexpected findings for planar chest, abdomen and musculoskeletal x-rays correlating with the clinical history (MRPBA Domains 1.1c & 1.7c);
  • be able to apply ethical, legislative and regulatory principles to effectively communicate information related to significant, urgent and/or unexpected findings using appropriate and accurate scientific terminology (MRPBA Domains 1.7c, 2.1a);
  • be able to exercise professional judgement and apply clinical reasoning to suggest appropriate additional/follow up imaging and/or patient management to include timely action for the immediate management of clients with urgent or unexpected x-ray findings (MRPBA Domains 1.7c, 2.1h, 2.4c, 3.2c, 4.1b & 4.1c); and
  • be able to critically reflect on own strengths and limitations to identify learning needed to improve professional practice and plan how to address these development needs (MRPBA Domains 4.2b & 4.2d).

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • MODULE 1: Introduction to Image Interpretation
  • Search strategies and satisfaction of search;
  • Image perception and error;
  • Descriptive terminology;
  • Clinical reasoning & decision making;
  • Ethical and medico-legal considerations; and
  • Advanced practice and the reflective practitioner.
  • MODULE 2: Musculoskeletal Image Interpretation - Appendicular
  • Adequacy, Alignment, Bones, Cartilage & Soft tissues (AABCS) Search Strategy for Musculoskeletal Image Interpretation;
  • Image interpretation terminology;
  • Applied radiographic anatomy;
  • Normal variants of the appendicular skeleton;
  • Trauma image interpretation of the appendicular musculoskeletal system with a focus on common presenting abnormalities e.g. fracture, dislocations and soft tissue injuries; and
  • Correlation of findings with clinical history, non-imaging diagnostics and other imaging procedures.
  • MODULE 3: Musculoskeletal Image Interpretation - Axial
  • Applied radiographic anatomy;
  • Normal variants of the axial skeleton;
  • Trauma image interpretation of the axial musculoskeletal system with a focus on common presenting abnormalities e.g. fracture, dislocations and soft tissue injuries; and
  • Correlation of findings with clinical history, non-imaging diagnostics and other imaging procedures.
  • MODULE 4: Musculoskeletal Image Interpretation - Systemic
  • Benign versus malignant;
  • Neoplastic disease;
  • Degenerative disease and common arthritides;
  • Non-accidental injury; and
  • Congenital defects and anomalies.
  • MODULE 5: Abdominal Image Interpretation
  • Search strategy for conventional abdomen images;
  • Applied radiographic anatomy;
  • Normal variants;
  • Image interpretation of common presenting abnormalities and disease processes e.g. abnormal bowel gas patterns, calcification's, foreign bodies, soft tissue and abdominal organs;
  • Iatrogenic devices; and
  • Correlation of findings with clinical history, non-imaging diagnostics and other imaging procedures.
  • MODULE 6: Chest Image Interpretation
  • Search strategy for conventional chest images;
  • Applied radiographic anatomy;
  • Normal variants;
  • Image interpretation of common presenting abnormalities and disease processes e.g. disease of the lungs, mediastinum, heart, lymphatics and cardiovascular;
  • Iatrogenic devices; and
  • Correlation of findings with clinical history, non-imaging diagnostics and other imaging procedures.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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