RDGY41050 Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Imaging

Academic Year 2023/2024

This 10 credit module is proposed for radiographers/nurses and health professionals currently involved in performing and analysing Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans, or those involved in reporting DXA scan results. It aims to train health professionals in the underlying core principles of this bone mineral density measuring technique and develop their understanding of the operational and technical skills necessary to produce the optimal scan results required for analysis, interpretation and reporting. It will cover all broad aspects of BMD measurement using DXA including; system operation, physical principles, scanning and analysis techniques, pathophysiology of osteoporosis and radiation safety and quality assurance in practice. Completion of the course will provide operators with the necessary skills and understanding to perform DXA examinations with confidence,

The course will attract participants from a variety of backgrounds within the healthcare discipline including radiographers, nurses, physiotherapists and specialist clinicians including radiologists, general practitioners and geriatric consultants. * (current Irish legislation, SI256, 2018 restricts operation of all medical radiation devices to certain qualified professionals)

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

As well as learning core theory and practical applications of DXA and the successful student will be able to:

Apply their knowledge of operational, technical, positioning and analysis skills required to produce optimal scan results.
Analyse and critically evaluate their examination techniques and compare against standard practice to ensure optimal standards of operation.
Understand the concept of serial scanning techniques and protocols, and be able to apply this knowledge to their own clinical setting.
Apply their knowledge in order to optimise preliminary report provision prior to radiologist/clinician approval.
Apply their knowledge into the physical principles, equipment and different types of scanning technology involved in this modality area.
Analyse and critically evaluate their understanding of international best practice guidelines and the influence of best practice on local protocol.
Apply their knowledge into the relevant legislation which governs clinical practice within this modality.

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics to be addressed:

Understanding the pathophysiology of Osteoporosis
Physical principles of Radiation
DXA Technology
Patient preparation for DXA
Scanning techniques for spine, hip , forearm, vertebral fracture assessment (VFA)
Scan analysis
Serial scanning theory

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

250
Total

250
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lecture delivery will be mainly online, to allow for students working in busy clinical setting access the content at times that suit their individual schedules.
A 1 hour tutorial will be organised (online) with the group within the module to allow for discussion of the content presented, and to provide peer / lecturer support as the students will work primarily individually. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Radiography Qualification / Nursing Qualification or similarly qualified health professional with an interest in DXA scanning


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: This assignment has been designed to test the student's ability to practically apply taught DXA lecture content incorporating best practice guidelines. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40
Essay: An essay based on the module content aims to test the students by the application of their knowledge from the module content to a particular topic related to DXA imaging. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: A series of multiple choice questions designed to test students engagement with the module content End of trimester MCQ n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer 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?

Feedback will be provided, to the class as a group, after all the assessments components have been graded

Name Role
Assoc Professor Shane Foley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Dearbhla Kearney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Éilish McDermott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Shauna Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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