Image interpretation (Preliminary Clinical Evaluation)

Overview

Our preliminary clinical evaluation courses are primarily aimed at health professionals working and evaluating images in the acute hospital setting, although they are suitable as an introduction to x-ray film interpretation in other clinical settings.

Guidelines from the College of Radiographers (UK) recommend that the findings of all diagnostic imaging examinations are reported timely and accurately to influence clinical management effectively.

Abnormality detection systems in radiography such as the red dot scheme have existed in the UK since the 1980s to aid patient triage. Provision of a preliminary clinical evaluation (PCE) is now recommended where radiographers provide a brief description of imaging findings to the referrer when an immediate definitive report is unavailable. A key skill for many healthcare practitioners is therefore to accurately interpret medical imaging which has a significant impact on service delivery.

Course aims

These short courses aim to equip practitioners who interpret radiographic images as part of their practice with the skills and confidence to provide initial interpretation of radiographs of the appendicular skeleton (predominantly in the trauma setting) or the adult chest.

About the course

It will comprise of four campus-based study days in our bespoke reporting suite at the Canterbury campus and will be taught by experienced clinical reporting radiographers from the world-leading MSc Clinical Reporting at Canterbury Christ Church University. 

You will:

• participate in image-based workshops where you will consider the common errors and pitfalls in the subject;
• be given hints and tips to improve descriptions, terminology and phrasing used to describe and communicate findings in an initial commentary;
• use up-to-date technology including the exclusive use of digital images within an interactive workstation environment;
• learn about legal and professional issues, including the audit of practice.

The course will include an introduction to PCE, terminology, relevant anatomy, pathology and imaging appearances of the appendicular skeleton or adult chest with a concluding formative test to allow the students and the Course Director to evaluate individual learning.

Workplace-based activities throughout the course will supplement the campus-based learning.  Additional resources such as the extensive clinical reporting resources within the library, the electronic diagnostic support tool STAT-Dx and the image base available on CCCU’s web-based picture archiving and communication system (iQ-VIEW) will be available.

Both musculoskeletal and adult chest short courses are now available with the exciting option of an award of 10 postgraduate credits, upon completion of additional academic assessments, which can be used towards the MSc Clinical Reporting. 

Guidelines from the College of Radiographers (UK) recommend that the findings of all diagnostic imaging examinations are reported timely and accurately to influence clinical management effectively.

Cost, location and more information

The cost for these courses is £730. They take place in the Clinical Reporting Suite, Verena Holmes Building, Canterbury Christ Church North Holmes Road campus. 

• Adult Chest course: one day per month from September to December
• Musculoskeletal course: one day per month from February to May

For more further information, please contact the course leader, John Tidmas.

T: +44 (0)1227 923825