Produce conventional radiographic images for diagnostic purposes using mobile imaging equipment

URN: SFHCI.A6
Business Sectors (Suites): Clinical Imaging
Developed by: Skills for Health
Approved on: 2019

Overview

SFHCI.A6 SFHCI.A6 This standard is concerned with the use of mobile x ray equipment to produce conventional radiographic images for diagnostic and procedural guidance purposes in a temporary controlled area. This standard includes the use of mobile image intensifier equipment. Key people are those involved in the individual's care and others involved in provision of services. This standard also acknowledges that many of these individuals may not be able to identify themselves or cooperate with the procedure. Users of this standard will need to ensure that


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

SFHCI.A6

SFHCI.A6

  1. apply standard precautions for infection control and other appropriate

    health and safety measures

  2. ascertain the location of the individual and obtain information on any

    special circumstances regarding the individual from the staff

    responsible for the individual

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

    and staff before starting the procedure

  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. identify yourself to other members of staff present during the

    examination

  7. establish the individuals capacity to understand and co-operate with

    the procedure with the help of key people if necessary

  8. confirm that valid consent has been given for the procedure in

    accordance with national and local guidelines

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

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

    benefits and limitations

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

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

    in accordance with local protocols

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

    their presence is required, adhere to local guidelines

  13. assess the ease of access to the individual and the location of any

    key people in order to create a temporary controlled area

  14. safely move the mobile imaging equipment to where it is required

    together with all additional equipment

  15. position the individual and adjust their clothing according to the

    protocols for the examination to be performed in a manner which allows

    an optimal outcome to be achieved while:

    15.1 recognising the individuals need to retain their dignity and self

    respect

    15.2 ensuring their comfort as far as possible

    15.3 preventing the appearance of artefacts

  16. correctly align the equipment according to the examination

    technique, with anatomical legends correctly placed, where appropriate

  17. use automatic exposure controls or apply, check and adjust manual

    exposure factors, collimation and radiation protection devices to

    SFHCI.A6

    minimise exposure to the individual whilst optimising diagnostic image

    quality

  18. check the area around the individual prior to making the exposure to

    ensure that only essential, protected persons remain within the

    temporary controlled area

  19. give a verbal warning prior to the exposure being made

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

    made

  21. maintain communication with the individual and/or key people to

    facilitate their understanding and co-operation throughout the

    examination

  22. observe the individual's condition and well-being at all times and

    take appropriate action should any adverse events occur

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

    the imaging episode

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

    radiation doses and images for transfer or storage according to local

    protocols

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

    protocols

  26. recognise where help or advice is required and obtain this from

    appropriate sources

  27. advise that the temporary controlled area has been removed

  28. inform the individual and/or key people of the results procedure

    according to local protocols where relevant

    SFHCI.A6


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 confirming valid consent has been given 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 being 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. common pathologies and normal variants of the area being

    examined

  12. the medical terminology relevant to the examination including

    abbreviations

  13. positioning terminology including abbreviations

  14. when additional views are required to aid diagnosis and to

    enhance the examination

  15. manifestations of individual's physical and emotional status

  16. clinical conditions and surgical processes/procedures which

    require imaging using mobile radiographic equipment

  17. production, interactions and properties of x-rays

  18. the process involved in the formation of radiographic images

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

    radiation protection equipment

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

    permanently stored

  21. how to adapt communication styles, ask questions, and listen

    SFHCI.A6

    carefully in ways which are appropriate for the needs of the

    individual and/or key people

  22. methods of communicating difficult and complex information to

    individuals and/or key people

  23. the importance of providing individuals and/or key people with

    opportunities to ask questions and increase their understanding

  24. the information that should be given to individuals and/or key

    people before, during and on completion of the examination

  25. methods of assessing and recording radiation dose

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

    Milliamperage (mA) and Time (seconds)

  27. variables affecting exposure factors and how to manipulate

    exposure factors for the examination and the individual as

    appropriate

  28. automatic exposure controls where available and their use

  29. the technical and diagnostic quality requirements of the image

  30. recognition of artefacts and their impact

  31. the importance of timely equipment fault recognition and local

    procedures for reporting these

  32. equipment capabilities, limitations and routine maintenance

    including the quality control processes required by the operator

  33. types of imaging equipment, images, image receptor systems that

    are suitable for imaging the different parts of the body

  34. the mechanical and drive controls of a mobile machine

  35. how to wear, store and maintain radiation protection equipment

  36. how and when to set up a temporary controlled area

  37. the positioning of the individual relevant to the examination

  38. orientation and appropriate use of anatomical legends

  39. procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing

    appropriate information, documentation, radiation doses and

    images for transfer or storage according to local protocols

  40. how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with

    organisational procedures

    SFHCI.A6


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links

SFHCI.A6

This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS

Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):

Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning

SFHCI.A6


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for health

Original URN

sfhci.a6

Relevant Occupations

Health Professionals

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Radiography; X ray; Diagnostic; Clinical; Images; Mobile; Controlled; Area