Produce images using fluoroscopy

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

Overview

SFHCI.F SFHCI.F This standard is concerned with the examination of anatomical structures using fluoroscopy. This will be undertaken as part of a diagnostic and/or treatment process. The outcomes will be of sufficient quality to assist diagnosis and or treatment. This standard 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 to ensure that practice reflects


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. communicate with the individual / key people to facilitate their

    understanding of and co-operation with the examination

  7. establish the individuals capacity to understand the procedure with

    the help of key people if necessary

  8. obtain valid consent 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, adhering to local guidelines

  13. examine previous relevant images and clinical information, where

    available, to ensure that the correct procedure and techniques are

    employed

  14. assess the individuals clinical and physical condition prior to the

    start of the examination with a view to proceeding

  15. give the individual clear information on the possible after effects of

    the use of contrast media and medicines

  16. 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:

    16.1 recognising the individuals need to retain their dignity and self

    respect

    16.2 ensuring his/her comfort as far as possible

    16.3 preventing the appearance of artefacts

  17. position the imaging equipment appropriate to the examination

    technique with anatomical legends or electronic annotation correctly

    placed

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

    and radiation protection devices to minimise exposure to the individual

    whilst optimising diagnostic image quality

  19. ensure the details of the individual are accurately recorded in the

    fluoroscopic equipment or if previously entered, check for accuracy

  20. check the room prior to making the exposure to ensure that only

    essential, protected persons remain with the individual and that all local

    protocols have been adhered to

  21. administer appropriate contrast media and medicines in accordance

    with the local protocols for the examination

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

    made and maintain communication with the individual/key people to

    facilitate their understanding and ensure their co-operation throughout

    the examination

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

    take appropriate action

  24. ensure that all dose reduction/protection processes have been

    employed

  25. adjust the equipment to optimise the images for the purpose of the

    examination

  26. monitor and accurately record the individuals exposure to ionising

    radiation throughout the procedure according to local protocols and

    local rules

  27. capture permanent images where required and according to local

    guidelines for the examination

  28. recognise where equipment malfunctions during the procedure and

    take appropriate action

  29. check the identification of the images against associated documents

  30. examine the images to ensure that the anatomical coverage is

    consistent with the examination request, the clinical information

    provided and local protocols

  31. ensure the images are:

    31.1 correctly labelled with the individuals orientation and identification

    details

    31.2 are processed and inspected for satisfactory technical and

    diagnostic quality according to local guidelines and criteria

  32. make a decision with the regard to the need to repeat any images

    or to take additional images to enhance the examination

  33. following the preliminary imaging examination, inform to the

    appropriate person if an abnormality is observed on the image which is

    likely to require further investigation or treatment, following

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    departmental protocols

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

    aftercare where necessary

  35. explain the process for obtaining results

  36. record, collate and prepare appropriate information, documentation

    and images for transfer or storage according to local protocols

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

    protocols

  38. 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. gross anatomy of the area being examined

  9. physiological and pathological processes relevant to the area

    being examined

  10. the medical terminology relevant to the examination including

    abbreviations

  11. when standard and additional views are required to aid diagnosis

    and to enhance the examination

  12. the range and safe use of contrast media and medicines in

    fluoroscopic examinations

  13. the behaviour of contrast media and medicines and how this may

    affect images obtained and their interpretation

  14. the clinical conditions appropriate for fluoroscopic examination

  15. the clinical implications of any allergies relevant to the

    examination

  16. the recognition of the variations of normal anatomy demonstrable

    by fluoroscopy and contrast media within your scope of practice

  17. the recognition of abnormal anatomy demonstrable by fluoroscopy

    and x-ray contrast media and the significance of such abnormality

    within your scope of practice

  18. manifestations of individuals physical and emotional status

  19. production, interactions and properties of x-rays

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

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    radiation protection equipment

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

    permanently stored

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

    carefully in ways which are appropriate for the needs of the

    individual

  23. methods of communicating difficult and complex information to

    individuals and key people

  24. the importance of providing individuals and key people with

    opportunities to ask questions and increase their understanding

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

    and on completion of the examination

  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. the technical and diagnostic quality requirements of the image

  29. recognition of artefacts and their impact

  30. factors which influence the decision to repeat images

  31. equipment capabilities, limitations and routine maintenance

    including the quality control processes required by the operator

  32. image manipulation and post processing

  33. the importance of timely equipment fault recognition and local

    procedures for reporting these

  34. contra-indicators to the procedure

  35. the preparation of the individual, equipment and environment for

    fluoroscopic examinations

  36. orientation and appropriate use of anatomical legends and

    electronic annotation

  37. the range of techniques that may be used to optimise image

    quality and dose for the individual, including selection and

    provision of suitable projections, appropriate use of collimation

    and strategies to reduce dose to individuals and staff

  38. the role of other imaging modalities and diagnostic investigations

  39. relevant emergency procedures and the types and use of

    emergency equipment available

  40. procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing

    appropriate information, documentation and images for transfer or

    storage according to local protocols

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  41. 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.f

Relevant Occupations

Health Professionals

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Radiography; X ray; Diagnostic; Clinical; Images