Interpret and report on imaging examinations

This standard is concerned with interpreting the findings from diagnostic images and the provision of a report that suggests a diagnosis or differential diagnosis based on the findings from the imaging examination. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice

1. check the identification of the images against associated documents,

   recognise any discrepancies and take appropriate action

   2. examine the images for technical and diagnostic quality, recognise

   where unsatisfactory images have been obtained and take appropriate

   action

   3. examine the images to ensure they are consistent with, and

   appropriate for, the examination requested, and the clinical information

   provided

   4. request further views, sequences, techniques or reconstructions

   where the images are insufficient or unsatisfactory

   5. compare the images with any available previous relevant images and

   reports for the individual

   6. assess appearances in comparison with normal appearances and

   variants

   7. produce a report which:

   7.1 provides an interpretation of the findings

   7.2 suggests a diagnosis or assists in forming a diagnosis

   7.3 advises on follow-up action or management, where appropriate

   8. seek advice from appropriate others where you observe unexpected

   images or findings that are outside your scope of competence

   9. take appropriate action based on imaging findings, including where

   immediate action is required in line with local and national protocols

   10. record, collate and prepare appropriate information, documentation

   and images for transfer or storage according to local protocols

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 limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the

   importance of operating within your scope of practice

   4. the anatomy, physiology, pathology and related structures of the

   area under examination

   5. the presenting complaint, other relevant tests and previous clinical

   history of the individual and how these may contribute to decision

   making about image appearances

   6. how to evaluate the possible effect of trauma or disease on other

   body structures and systems

   7. disease processes and trauma, and the impact of these on image

   appearances

   8. normal and abnormal appearances and the relevant pathologies

   of the area being examined, their manifestations and significance

   for management of the individual

   9. medical terminology relevant to the examination including

   abbreviations

   10. the principles of image production

   11. the ways in which images can be captured, processed,

   permanently stored, retrieved and forwarded

   12. the relationship between the position of the individual and image

   appearance

   13. the technical and diagnostic quality requirements of the image

   14. the recognition of artefacts and their impact

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

   additional views

   16. the indications and contra-indications for the use of other imaging

   modalities and investigations

   17. equipment capabilities, limitations and routine maintenance

   including the quality control processes required by the operator

   18. the role of audit, reflecting on errors, continuous learning and

   development and discrepancy reviews in image reporting

   19. the role of the multi-disciplinary team in image review and

   finalising reports

   20. local procedures and protocols relating to the examination report

   21. critical appraisal techniques

   22. report writing techniques relevant to the examination

   23. how to vary communication styles depending on the intended

   recipient of the report

   24. procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing

   appropriate information, documentation and images for transfer or

   storage according to local protocols

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

   organisational procedures

This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS

Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):

Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning