Throughout the last decade the scope and practice of Radiography has continued to increase and broaden. The range of image modalities either complementing or replacing plain film imaging has expanded rapidly to include, for example the use of magnets within magnetic resonance imaging, sound waves in diagnostic ultrasound and radio isotopes in nuclear medicine.
Linked to these rapid and continuing advances in the technological basis for medical imaging has been the changing scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiographers. The last decade has seen diagnostic radiographers establish a role in image interpretation and take responsibility for a range of clinical activities such as radiographer led venography, angiography and barium studies.
The radiography section of the Department of Allied Health at Canterbury Christ Church University has been at the forefront of role developments in medical imaging. The University was the first institution to offer post-graduate opportunities in clinical reporting for radiographers and has developed both a national and international reputation in research in this area. This lead continues with opportunities for post-graduate study leading to clinical reporting in aspects of magnetic resonance imaging and Chest Imaging.
Of fundamental importance in the support of all current and future role developments will be the quality and scope of the pre-qualifying programme that permits entry into the profession. The undergraduate programme at Canterbury has, as one of its pivotal aims, that of ensuring students, upon qualification, are safe, competent and confident practitioners.
The undergraduate programme places great emphasis on ensuring that you are adequately prepared for a role in image interpretation and clinical reporting. The modules are designed to develop the underpinning knowledge and understanding necessary to support a role in image interpretation. In addition emphasis is placed on broadening the scope of radiographer education to include patient assessment, clinical reasoning and decision-making and critical pathway analysis.
The undergraduate pre-qualifying Diagnostic Radiography programme is part of the Interprofessional Learning Programme, which currently provides the opportunity for radiography students to learn and work alongside Nurses, Midwives, Social Workers, Operating Department Practitioners and Occupational Therapists thus ensuring students gain understanding of the principles of collaborative practice in Health Care.
Another vital aspect of the radiography provision is the opportunity for post-graduate study and research. We actively support students working towards masters' level qualifications in ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine and also doctoral research in a range of areas including clinical reporting and dosimetry.
Research underpins all aspects of both undergraduate and post-graduate education in the Faculty and all members of academic staff in Radiography engage in scholarship and/or expertise in areas such as professional role development, clinical reporting, rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis, radiation science and dosimetry. The team considers scholarship and research to be a fundamental prerequisite for effective teaching and learning.
In addition, we offer personalised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) advice to qualified practitioners and work with departments of radiology to develop strategies to embed CPD into all aspects of clinical practice. The team has worked with the private sector in developing a CPD strategy for a major private Health Care provider and have developed and led the development of a CPD Forum to encourage CPD activities across the whole of Kent , Medway and East Sussex.