MRS500 Mammography Practice (24)

This subject focuses on experiential learning in the mammography practice is setting and is completed over three sessions. The emphasis is on reflective, consumer-led mammographic practice. Students learn by working with experienced radiographers, their own supervised mammography practice and self/professional appraisals. Mammography practice is studied concurrently with the theoretical learning of the other subjects in the course; this will enable students to inform their own practice environment through reflection and application of theory. Students are required to demonstrate safe and competent mammography practice commensurate with their period of time in the course at the time of each appraisal. A set of competency based experiences must be met by each student prior to graduation, and achievement of these skills is to be recorded, assessed and reflected on 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

Three sessions

School

Centre of Rural Dentistry and Oral Health

Enrolment Restrictions

Only available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Mammography.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to plan, implement and evaluate the safe and ethical practice of mammography across the range of examinations required by the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) Competency Based Mammography Skills in any mammographic setting, using evidence upon which to base their practice.
  • be able to provide a professional and ethical standard of mammography care, support and communication for the consumer and multidisciplinary team using principles of best, evidence based practice.
  • be able to exercise reflective and critical analytical skills in clinical reasoning, decision making and in working with consumers and other health professionals.
  • be able to consistently produce and evaluate mammograms of optimal diagnostic quality, whilst applying the ALARA principle, and ensuring minimal client discomfort.
  • be able to synthesise knowledge of normal mammographic appearances and recognise obvious mammographic and clinical abnormalities.
  • be able to demonstrate high level knowledge of ancillary breast imaging modalities and cognitive skills in complementary techniques and interventional procedures to complement an examination or assess a mammographic abnormality.
  • have a clear understanding of their role as a primary health carer and incorporate into practice the principles of open enquiry, environmental sustainability, workplace health and safety, equity, cultural sensitivity and diversity, social justice, self-determination, and community participation and collaboration.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Mammographic positioning with an ability to adapt their technique to deal with a range of non-standard situations
  • Image evaluation and the PGMI (Perfect, Good, Moderate, Inadequate)
  • Equipment considerations
  • Communication skills both with the clients and as a member of the multi-disciplinary team
  • Quality assurance
  • Ergonomics and risk management
  • Assessment centre techniques
  • Ancillary breast imaging modalities, complementary techniques and interventional procedures

Workplace Learning

This subject contains a 102.5 days Compulsory Workplace Learning component.

Students will complete 41 weeks at 2.5 days per week (or equivalent) of clinical placement at an approved BreastScreen Australia unit or radiology practice.

Residential School

This subject contains a 8 day Compulsory Residential School.

Distance education in this course is supported by residential school learning and simulated or supervised mammography skills learning and practice. Residential schools provide opportunities for peer and academic support, facilitated simulated learning experiences, assessment of progress and provides variety of learning, teaching and assessment strategies. The fostering of positive group dynamics which occurs in residential schools is a core component of effective enquiry based learning outcomes.
Residential schools consist of lectures, tutorials, assessment tasks, workstations for simulated learning, workshops, group presentations and other learning opportunities not conducive to DE learning.

There are two Residential Schools in this subject: commencing students attend a residential school for 5 days at the beginning of the course. Continuing students attend a residential school for 3 days at approximately the mid-way point of the course.

Special Resources

Students will engage in clinical practice at a nominated BreastScreen Australia unit or radiology practice for the duration of the course. 

Students will be required to cover the costs of immunisation, First Aid, uniforms and appropriate background checks in keeping with the Faculty of Science policies.

In addition students will be required to attend two Residential Schools and cover the costs of their transport and accommodation.

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

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