Diagnostic radiographer (integrated degree)

Reference Number: ST0619

Details of standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in all healthcare settings including, primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, independent and private healthcare sectors. The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide excellent patient care by obtaining images of a high diagnostic quality using a range of high cost and complex imaging equipment.  This will include imaging using x-rays and cross-sectional imaging methods (Computed Tomography or CT), fluoroscopy and Interventional Radiology and will be able to assist in other imaging modalities such as Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Breast Imaging and Nuclear Medicine.  Diagnostic Radiographers work with a broad range of patients, e.g. patients who may have mental and/or physical disabilities or be distressed, children and the terminally ill. They work independently to assess, authorise, obtain consent and undertake individual examination requests for radiography procedures. They will critique images and determine appropriate actions. The work is physically and mentally demanding and involves direct patient contact, which can be of a personal nature. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with patients, their carers, members of the public and other healthcare staff e.g. porters, nurses, other allied health professionals, doctors, external contractors, engineers and medical physicists etc.  They will primarily work in diagnostic imaging departments in hospitals (inpatients and outpatients), but also provide mobile imaging on Wards, including the Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Unit, Emergency Department and Operating Theatres. Diagnostic Radiographers may also provide imaging in stand- alone satellite units. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the safe use of imaging equipment and the safe conduct of examinations, including the radiation protection of patients, themselves, staff and visitors.  As registered autonomous practitioners they are accountable both professionally and legally for their own actions and for those operating under their supervision as they deliver safe and compassionate care. Work may be undertaken independently or as part of a team.  They may refer to another healthcare professional for advice; however, this may not always be available at night in smaller organisations or in satellite departments. They are expected to contribute to a 24-hour, 7-day week imaging service with varying shift patterns and on call service and, on occasion, may be the sole provider of imaging services for the organisation.

Typical job titles

Typical job titles include Diagnostic Radiographer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements will be stipulated by individual HEIs

Occupation duties

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Knows and understands local and national Imaging policies and procedures including patient pathways and the impact of imaging on patient care and treatment.

K2: Knowledge of Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency and Society and College of Radiographers Code of Conduct and professional scope of practice.

K3: Knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy, physiology and pathology, normal, normal variants and abnormal image appearances.

K4: Understand key patient signs and symptoms and observation records in order to recognise and manage a deteriorating patient.

K5: Knowledge and understanding of local referral justification criteria and relative clinical urgency of clinical conditions, including signs, symptoms and potential consequences.

K6: Knowledge and understanding of different patient needs and rights including dignity, diversity and privacy, communication styles and clinical conditions e.g. dementia or learning disabilities.

K7: Knowledge and understanding of the principles of radiobiological science, the associated risks and benefits and comparative radiation doses for different imaging protocols including different types of imaging in relation to appropriate authorisation of the justification of imaging requests.

K8: Knowledge and understanding of Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposures) Regulations and Ionising Radiation Regulations. Knowledge of Local Rules, local and national Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) including appropriate associated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and pregnancy status.

K9: Knowledge of the procedure for obtaining consent, the underpinning knowledge of consent, and the procedures for when consent cannot be obtained.

K10: Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to image the area of interest, using external bony landmarks and knowledge of the effects of adapting positioning on the resulting image.

K11: Knowledge of safe patient moving and handling techniques.

K12: Knowledge of the methods of drug administration, the pharmacological basis for interaction of contrast media, including contraindications and how to respond to an emergency situation.

K13: Knowledge of the physiological effects of exposure to Ionising Radiation and the correct use and manipulation of radiation exposures and associated radiation science in order to produce high quality images, whilst maintaining the lowest practicable radiation dose.

K14: Knowledge of the process for escalation of unexpected findings identified on images to ensure optimum patient care.

K15: Knowledge of conflict resolution strategies.

K16: Knowledge of different methods of communication including verbal and non-verbal communication.  Knowledge and understanding of the effect of own body language and attitude on others.  Knowledge of active listening skills.

K17: Knowledge and understanding of the legal, ethical and professional principles associated with equality, diversity and safeguarding.

K18: Knowledge of patient confidentiality and awareness of responsibility to maintain it in line with ethical and legislative frameworks.

K19: Understands the General Data Protection Regulations and consequences of good and poor data quality on the patient experience/pathway including the need for accurate record keeping and report writing.

K20: Knowledge of different roles and scopes of practice for those under own supervision.

K21: Knowledge of different learning styles, assessment, group dynamics, learning theory, recognition of good and bad practice, delivering constructive feedback.

K22: Understanding of radiographic equipment in the context of how images are produced for both ionising and non-ionising radiation imaging methods and how images are appropriately shared and/or stored.

K23: Knowledge of the theory of the audit cycle, quality control tools / equipment, analysis of results and how to take appropriate action and the principles of service improvement.

K24: Knowledge of current trends in relevant legislation, the profession and wider healthcare, and an understanding of putting evidence-based practice into daily work.

K25: Knowledge of different research methodologies and how to critically analyse research.

K26: Knowledge of cyber security relevant to the Imaging department.

K27: Knowledge of the application of different Imaging procedures and the associated risks/benefits and precautions/safety requirements.

Skills

S1 Undertake basic patient observations, recognise a deteriorating patient, and manage immediately and appropriately.

S2 Manage time and resources and prioritise workload according to clinical needs.

S3 Build and sustain professional relationships and work independently, as part of the imaging team, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, and providing supervision as appropriate.

S4 Communicate appropriately with each individual patient, their families and carers, involving them in decision making, where appropriate, and the multi-disciplinary team adapting a style for each individual to provide holistic care, taking account of circumstances and environments.

S5 Collate and record information from different sources and critically evaluate to make a logical, informed decision using this information, and communicate decisions appropriately and in a timely way.

S6 Critically assess a clinical or professional situation and respond accordingly eg raising concerns as appropriate

S7 Use good radiographic techniques and modify as clinically appropriate.  Have the technical ability to manipulate a range of equipment, whilst maintaining patient comfort and adequately communicate with patients and colleagues to ensure the safe movement of patients into imaging position. Use appropriate touch techniques to locate external bony landmarks.

S8 Recognise normal and abnormal image appearances and when to act upon them. Use abnormality alert systems such as a preliminary clinical evaluation.

S9 Assess image technical standard according to a recognised methodology.

S10 Provide patient care in accordance with patient condition e.g. patient personal hygiene, basic life support, first aid, basic patient care needs and deliver, where appropriate, brief clinical preventative advice interventions.

S11 Respect and maintain patient privacy and dignity at all times in all environments, including emergency situations.

S12 Maintain accurate and confidential information using, for example, Radiology Information Systems (RIS), Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) etc.

S13 Maintain data protection and patient confidentiality in clinical practice and complete relevant concise, factual reports and documentation.

S14 Use appropriate Personal protective Equipment (PPE) for staff, patients and members of the public.

S15 Use radiation protection techniques safely and appropriately, including distraction/immobilisation techniques to effectively minimise overall radiation dose.  Appropriate use of radiation dose software.  Manipulate exposure factors according to patient condition to create a diagnostic image with the lowest practicable radiation dose.

S16 Adopt Imaging and organisational policies, procedures, protocols, guidance and legislation into the clinical environment under different circumstances and situations.

S17 Supervise, facilitate learning, motivate and share reasoned clinical judgement with others.

S18 Use Quality Assurance tools/equipment, to analyse and interpret results and act upon them in a safe manner.

S19 Read and critically analyse research articles, utilise basic research skills and apply research findings to practice.

Behaviour

B1: Demonstrate a calm demeanour with empathy, compassion and underpinning emotional resilience to manage day-to-day pressures in unpredictable, emergency and distressing situations,  e.g. patients in cardiac arrest, patients suffering life changing injuries and/or disease diagnosis.

B2: Confident, flexible and adaptable within own scope of practice.

B3: Demonstrate emotional intelligence.

B4: Act with professionalism, honesty, integrity and respect in all interactions.  Maintain good character as outlined in their professional Code of Conduct and not bring their profession or organisation into disrepute.

B5: Reflect on own impact on others, take responsibility and be accountable for own actions. Sensitively challenge others and raise issues when appropriate.

B6: Actively reflect on own practice and accept and respond to constructive criticism. Be proactive in implementing improvements in order to improve service delivery and patient care.

B7: Be aware of and take responsibility for their own fitness in context of physical and/or mental health issues which may affect performance. Seek help and/or guidance as appropriate. Inform Health and Care Professions Council and employer of any change of circumstance that may affect the right to practise.

Qualifications

English and Maths qualifications

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.  For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL. 

Other qualifications

Mandatory qualification 1: BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography or (where the apprentice already holds a level 6 honours degree) a pre-registration MSc in Diagnostic Radiography.

Level of qualification: 6 (integrated degree)

^{Basis for mandatory qualification: Regulatory requirement}

Professional recognition

Society and College of Radiographers / Level 6 and Level 7

Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)

Additional details

Occupational Level: 6
Duration (months): 36

Review

This standard will be reviewed after three years. 

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