RDGY30530 Paediatric Radiography

Academic Year 2022/2023

The aims of this module are to develop students' knowledge and ability in the interaction with, and imaging of, paediatric patients.
The module leads through an overview of considerations when examining infants and children of all ages towards specific imaging techniques for selected paediatric pathology. Empathetic, optimised, safe and legal practice is emphasised through activities that encourage reflection on clinical experience. Paediatric trauma, non-accidental injury, and general and specialist paediatric examinations are addressed.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

KNOWLEDGE OUTCOMES
Students will learn to evaluate the benefit of individual imaging procedures depending on the patient presentation and diagnostic inquiry. On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
- Outline the scope of paediatric radiographic practice in Ireland and compare the process of paediatric practice in selected exemplary countries;
- State published guidelines concerning paediatric radiography, and explain their value and limitations;
- Compare paediatric and adult injury patterns, and differentiate accidental and non-accidental paediatric injury patterns;
- Outline a spectrum of congenital developmental disorders affecting neonates and children and non-congenital pathologies that present primarily in childhood;
- Demonstrate superficial awareness of the complexity of presentation for chest and hip imaging in childhood;
- Distinguish paediatric radiography techniques that vary from techniques applied generally in adult examinations.

SKILL OUTCOMES
The module will facilitate development of professional skills in the approach and examination of paediatric patients. On successful completion of this section, students should have the knowledge to be able to:
- Interact with paediatric patients and their carers in a safe, caring and professional manner;
- Undertake simple paediatric radiography examinations safely and effectively under supervision;
- Correctly identify acceptable and unacceptable technique in radiographs of the skeleton, chest and abdomen, and correctly identify appropriate corrective action if such technique is unacceptable;
- Generally identify overtly normal and abnormal appearances in radiographs of the skeleton, chest and abdomen, without specification of underlying pathology.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES
The module aims to encourage students’ development as effective members of the health care team. On successful completion of this section, students should be able to:
- Identify some information sources and peer reviewed journals of relevance to paediatric radiography;
- Evaluate the module content in the context of current journal articles on paediatric radiography;
- Reflect on personal expertise in paediatric radiography and identify approaches to improve and develop such expertise;
- Identify his/her level of personal interest in paediatric radiography as a potential career pathway;
- Enter professional discussion concerning the specialist nature of the role of the paediatric radiographer;

Indicative Module Content:

CONTEXTS FOR PAEDIATRIC RADIOGRAPHY
History and current developments in paediatric radiography across Ireland. Guidelines on best practice in paediatric radiography. Potential for research and development in Irish paediatric radiography. Childhood development and approaches to paediatric radiography. The legal framework for paediatric radiography. Child Protection.

INDICATIONS FOR PAEDIATRIC IMAGING
Overview of selected neonatal and paediatric pathology and developmental anomalies of relevance to imaging. Patterns of paediatric trauma. Non-accidental injury in children.

IMAGING
Considerations and approaches in projection radiography of neonates and children to address chest, abdomen, appendicular and axial skeleton.
Considerations and approaches in fluoroscopic imaging of neonates and children focusing on selected congenital, perinatal and developmental pathologies
Considerations and approaches in specialised imaging of neonates and children to give an overview of the contribution of ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide imaging.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20

Tutorial

15

Specified Learning Activities

30

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Autumn Trimester
In the first two weeks of semester one, lectures and directed reading will predominate.
During clinical placement, students will undertake directed learning activities that will contribute to the assignment for this module.

Spring Trimester
Lectures during the initial weeks of trimester two will be delivered.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Student taking this module must be available to undertake scheduled paediatric clinical placement during Semester 1.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Mid-semester exam Unspecified No Graded No

50

Assignment: Written assignment Unspecified n/a Graded No

50


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

ASSIGNMENT Overview commentary will be provided on request EXAM Following issue of grades, feedback can be organised on request.

Department of Children and Youth Affairs (2011) Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. Government publications: Dublin

Hardy M, Boynes S (2003) Paediatric Radiography. Blackwell Science. ISBN 0-632-05631-2

ICRP (2013) Radiological protection in paediatric diagnostic and interventional radiology. ICRP Publication 121. Ann. ICRP 42(2)
Name Role
Ms Aine Lunney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Kate Matthews Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Éilish McDermott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Michelle O'Connor Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Jaka Potocnik Lecturer / Co-Lecturer