This module is designed for health care professionals to provide an overview of the pathophysiological processes that affect the thoracic cavity, with emphasis being on their radiographic appearance. Pattern recognition and its relation to patient presentation will be considered. There will be an emphasis on the imaging appearances of normal and the common traumatic and pathological processes identified within the thoracic cavity. Additional imaging modalities of pathological processes will be discussed as appropriate to broaden student’s knowledge of patient management.
Students will be encouraged to develop their image recognition skills of chest radiographs within clinical practice. Delivery of this module will be by university staff and may include relevant external lecturers. It will incorporate blended learning which aims to combine e-learning opportunities and traditional campus-based learning to enhance the student learning experience.
This will be facilitated by blended learning initiatives which will enable the student to enhance their learning within the clinical environment.
The module can be taken as a standalone module or as part of a postgraduate award.
The assessment consists of a portfolio of radiographic reports (Portfolio of evidence) The portfolio details student activity during clinical blocks (e.g. clinics attended, tutorials held etc.). The portfolio includes reflective reports and disease profiles to gain an understanding of the reasons for a variation in image appearances and the potential implications of a deficient/incomplete report or action.
A reporting OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam)
Knowledge and Understanding
Successful students will typically:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the normal anatomical and pathological appearances of the thoracic cavity.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of supporting imaging modalities that may be used within a clinical environment.
3. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the signs, symptoms and patient presentation for a range of pathological and traumatic changes of the thoracic cavity.
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills
Successful students will typically:
1. Be able to identify and differentiate between normal, pathological, and traumatic appearances presented on a radiographic image of the chest.