Produce conventional radiographic images for diagnostic purposes

URN: SFHCI.A
Business Sectors (Suites): Clinical Imaging
Developed by: Skills for Health
Approved on: 01 Feb 2019

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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  1. apply standard precautions for infection control and other appropriate

    health and safety measures

  2. ensure all necessary preparations have been made by the individual

    and staff before starting the procedure

  3. check and prepare the equipment required for the examination

  4. ensure the environment is conducive to maintaining the privacy and

    dignity of the individual

  5. check the identification details before commencing the procedure in

    accordance with local policies and procedures

  6. introduce yourself and other members of staff present during the

    examination

  7. communicate with the individual / key people to facilitate their

    understanding of and co-operation with the examination

  8. establish the individuals capacity to understand the procedure with

    the help of key people if necessary

  9. obtain valid consent for the procedure in accordance with national

    and local guidelines

  10. respect the individuals privacy, dignity, beliefs and decisions

  11. clearly explain the procedure and possible outcomes, including risk,

    benefits and limitations

  12. check individuals of child-bearing potential for pregnancy or

    possible pregnancy, if appropriate to the examination, and take action

    in accordance with local protocols

  13. confirm the status of key people before the examination and, where

    their presence is required, adhering to local guidelines

  14. 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

  15. align the correct x-ray source/equipment and image receptor

    according to the appropriate examination technique, with anatomical

    legends correctly placed

  16. apply, check and adjust appropriate exposure factors, collimation

    and radiation protection devices to minimise exposure to the individual

    whilst optimising diagnostic image quality

  17. 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

  18. seek confirmation that the individual is ready before the exposure is

    made

  19. maintain communication with the individual / key people to facilitate

    their understanding and co-operation throughout the examination

  20. observe the individuals condition and well-being at all times and

    take appropriate action should any adverse events occur

  21. process the image, ensure it is correctly labelled, including side

    marker and demographics

  22. inspect the image for satisfactory technical and diagnostic quality

    according to local guidelines and criteria

  23. make a decision with regard to the need to repeat any images, take

    additional images or undertake image post-processing to enhance the

    examination

  24. 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

  25. ensure safe and appropriate care for the individual on completion of

    the imaging episode

  26. provide the individual with information relating to the procedure and

    aftercare where necessary

  27. explain the process for obtaining results

  28. record, collate and prepare appropriate information, documentation,

    radiation doses and images for transfer or storage according to local

    protocols

  29. verify that the images have arrived/been stored according to local

    protocols

  30. 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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  1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role,

    the role of others in your organisation and the activities being

    carried out

  2. the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies and

    procedures that are available and how and when they should be

    accessed

  3. the importance of respecting individuals culture, privacy, dignity,

    wishes, beliefs and decisions

  4. the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the

    importance of operating within your scope of practice

  5. the roles and responsibilities of other team members

  6. the importance of obtaining valid consent in line with national and

    local guidelines

  7. clinical appropriateness of the examination request and the action

    to take when the request is not appropriate

  8. the gross anatomy of the area to be examined

  9. physiological and pathological processes relevant to the area

    being examined

  10. anatomical landmarks on the body that are relevant to

    radiographic imaging

  11. the area to be imaged, its position and relationship, and normal

    appearances as seen on conventional radiographic images

  12. common pathologies and normal variants of the area being

    examined

  13. medical terminology relevant to the examination including

    abbreviations

  14. positioning terminology including abbreviations

  15. manifestations of individuals physical and emotional status

  16. production, interactions and properties of x-rays

  17. the process involved in the formation of radiographic images

  18. the harmful effects of radiation to the human body and use of

    radiation protection equipment

  19. ways in which images can be captured, processed and

    permanently stored

  20. 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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  21. methods of communicating difficult and complex information to

    individuals and key people

  22. the importance of providing individuals and key people with

    opportunities to ask questions and increase their understanding

  23. the information that should be given to individuals before, during

    and on completion of the examination

  24. methods of assessing and recording radiation dose

  25. the inter-relationship between Kilo Volt Peak (kVp) and

    Milliamperage (mA) and Time (seconds)

  26. variables affecting exposure factors and how to manipulate

    exposure factors for the examination and the individual as

    appropriate

  27. automatic exposure controls and which chambers to select for the

    examination

  28. the technical and diagnostic quality requirements of the image

  29. techniques and equipment required to optimise image quality for

    the area under examination

  30. the recognition of artefacts and their impact

  31. factors which influence the decision to repeat images or take

    additional views to aid diagnosis and to enhance the examination

  32. the importance of timely equipment fault recognition and local

    procedures for reporting these

  33. equipment capabilities, limitations and routine maintenance

    including the quality control processes required by the operator

  34. types of x-ray equipment, images, image receptor systems that

    are suitable for imaging the different parts of the body

  35. the positioning of the individual relevant to the examination

  36. orientation and appropriate use of anatomical legends

  37. procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing

    appropriate documentation, radiation doses and images for

    transfer or storage according to local protocols

  38. 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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Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

01 Feb 2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for health

Original URN

sfhci.a

Relevant Occupations

Health Professionals

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Radiography; X ray; Diagnostic; Clinical; Images