Learning Outcomes:
KNOWLEDGE OUTCOMES
Students will learn to evaluate the benefit of individual imaging procedures depending on the patient's presentation and diagnostic inquiry. On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
- 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;
- Distinguish paediatric radiography techniques that vary from techniques applied generally in adult examinations.
SKILL OUTCOMES
The module will facilitate the 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 techniques in radiographs of the skeleton, chest, and abdomen, and correctly identify appropriate corrective action.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OUTCOMES
The module aims to encourage students’ development as effective members of the healthcare 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;
- Enter professional discussion concerning the specialist nature of the role of the paediatric radiographer;
Indicative Module Content:
CONTEXTS FOR PAEDIATRIC RADIOGRAPHY
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 presentations and developmental anomalies of relevance to imaging. Patterns of paediatric trauma. Suspected physical abuse 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.