Produce conventional radiographic images for diagnostic purposes
Overview
SFHCI.A SFHCI.A This standard is concerned with the use of x-rays to produce conventional radiographic images for diagnostic purposes. Production of radiographic images should be undertaken within the scope of your own role. Key people are those involved in the individual's care and others involved in provision of services. Users of this standard will need
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
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apply standard precautions for infection control and other appropriate
health and safety measures
ensure all necessary preparations have been made by the individual
and staff before starting the procedure
check and prepare the equipment required for the examination
ensure the environment is conducive to maintaining the privacy and
dignity of the individual
check the identification details before commencing the procedure in
accordance with local policies and procedures
introduce yourself and other members of staff present during the
examination
communicate with the individual / key people to facilitate their
understanding of and co-operation with the examination
establish the individuals capacity to understand the procedure with
the help of key people if necessary
obtain valid consent for the procedure in accordance with national
and local guidelines
respect the individuals privacy, dignity, beliefs and decisions
clearly explain the procedure and possible outcomes, including risk,
benefits and limitations
check individuals of child-bearing potential for pregnancy or
possible pregnancy, if appropriate to the examination, and take action
in accordance with local protocols
confirm the status of key people before the examination and, where
their presence is required, adhering to local guidelines
position the individual and adjust their clothing according to the
protocols for the examination which allows an optimal outcome to be
achieved while:
14.1 recognising the individuals need to retain their dignity and self
respect
14.2 ensuring their comfort as far as possible
14.3 preventing the appearance of artefacts
align the correct x-ray source/equipment and image receptor
according to the appropriate examination technique, with anatomical
legends correctly placed
apply, check and adjust appropriate exposure factors, collimation
and radiation protection devices to minimise exposure to the individual
whilst optimising diagnostic image quality
check the room prior to making the exposure to ensure that only
essential, protected persons remain with the individual and that all local
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rules have been adhered to and take appropriate action if this does not
occur
seek confirmation that the individual is ready before the exposure is
made
maintain communication with the individual / key people to facilitate
their understanding and co-operation throughout the examination
observe the individuals condition and well-being at all times and
take appropriate action should any adverse events occur
process the image, ensure it is correctly labelled, including side
marker and demographics
inspect the image for satisfactory technical and diagnostic quality
according to local guidelines and criteria
make a decision with regard to the need to repeat any images, take
additional images or undertake image post-processing to enhance the
examination
following the preliminary imaging examination, inform the
appropriate person if an abnormality is observed on the image which is
likely to require further investigation or treatment
ensure safe and appropriate care for the individual on completion of
the imaging episode
provide the individual with information relating to the procedure and
aftercare where necessary
explain the process for obtaining results
record, collate and prepare appropriate information, documentation,
radiation doses and images for transfer or storage according to local
protocols
verify that the images have arrived/been stored according to local
protocols
recognise where help or advice is required and obtain this from
appropriate sources
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Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
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legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role,
the role of others in your organisation and the activities being
carried out
the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies and
procedures that are available and how and when they should be
accessed
the importance of respecting individuals culture, privacy, dignity,
wishes, beliefs and decisions
the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the
importance of operating within your scope of practice
the roles and responsibilities of other team members
the importance of obtaining valid consent in line with national and
local guidelines
clinical appropriateness of the examination request and the action
to take when the request is not appropriate
the gross anatomy of the area to be examined
physiological and pathological processes relevant to the area
being examined
anatomical landmarks on the body that are relevant to
radiographic imaging
the area to be imaged, its position and relationship, and normal
appearances as seen on conventional radiographic images
common pathologies and normal variants of the area being
examined
medical terminology relevant to the examination including
abbreviations
positioning terminology including abbreviations
manifestations of individuals physical and emotional status
production, interactions and properties of x-rays
the process involved in the formation of radiographic images
the harmful effects of radiation to the human body and use of
radiation protection equipment
ways in which images can be captured, processed and
permanently stored
how to adapt communication styles, ask questions, and listen
carefully in ways which are appropriate for the needs of the
individual
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methods of communicating difficult and complex information to
individuals and key people
the importance of providing individuals and key people with
opportunities to ask questions and increase their understanding
the information that should be given to individuals before, during
and on completion of the examination
methods of assessing and recording radiation dose
the inter-relationship between Kilo Volt Peak (kVp) and
Milliamperage (mA) and Time (seconds)
variables affecting exposure factors and how to manipulate
exposure factors for the examination and the individual as
appropriate
automatic exposure controls and which chambers to select for the
examination
the technical and diagnostic quality requirements of the image
techniques and equipment required to optimise image quality for
the area under examination
the recognition of artefacts and their impact
factors which influence the decision to repeat images or take
additional views to aid diagnosis and to enhance the examination
the importance of timely equipment fault recognition and local
procedures for reporting these
equipment capabilities, limitations and routine maintenance
including the quality control processes required by the operator
types of x-ray equipment, images, image receptor systems that
are suitable for imaging the different parts of the body
the positioning of the individual relevant to the examination
orientation and appropriate use of anatomical legends
procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing
appropriate documentation, radiation doses and images for
transfer or storage according to local protocols
how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with
organisational procedures
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Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
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This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS
Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):
Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and Treatment Planning
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