Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Radiography

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification:

Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography

Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to develop a competent learner who has a thorough grounding in the knowledge and skills required for the Diagnostic Radiography profession and who has gained experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the appropriate workplace context. This qualification enables the learner to competently apply an integration of theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to the solution of well-defined and abstract problems in the selected field of Diagnostic Radiography. The learner should become a reflective practitioner and a life-long learner in his or her profession, thereby benefiting the community and society. Skills in management and research will also be demonstrated allowing the holder of this qualification to work independently and in a supervisory capacity within the health care team. Successful completion of this qualification will enable the learner to register with the relevant Professional Council as a Specialist Radiographer.

Rationale:

Diagnostic Radiography is one of the identified scarce skills in South Africa. Healthcare is set to change in the future from the curative paradigm of the 20th century to a pre-emptive model. Imaging is central to this model and will drive that change to the benefit of the patient. Medical imaging in general plays a key role in understanding complex biological systems and is dependent on interdisciplinary fields (e.g. physics, human biology, computer sciences) to extract that information. The Qualification is necessary in both the public and the private sectors as part of a multidisciplinary team providing a holistic health care service in general and a diagnostic radiography service in particular. This Qualification is recognised by the relevant Professional Health Council as a requirement for registration to practice in the field of Diagnostic Radiography. The Exit-Level Outcomes for this Qualification describe the foundational, practical and reflexive competencies, which together constitute the applied competence required of Diagnostic Radiography service at this level.

Outcomes

  1. Perform routine and specialised radiographic procedures to produce images of diagnostic quality.
  2. Access, organise and present information applicable to the radiography context in order to record, retrieve and communicate patient data.
  3. Evaluate the quality of routine and specialised radiographic images and perform image interpretation to identify normal and abnormal appearances.
  4. Plan, develop and apply total quality management appropriate to the diagnostic radiography context.
  5. Perform safe and effective patient care in accordance with the patient's needs and departmental protocol to provide a quality service and to maintain the welfare of the patient.
  6. Apply the principles of human rights, ethics and relevant medical law which ensure the well-being of the patient.
  7. Apply the principles, specific knowledge, skills and values related to one of the chosen electives as listed.
  8. Conduct research. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: The qualification addresses the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes in the following manner: Identify health problems in the context of diagnostic radiography and suggest and implement a solution or plan of action in order to solve the problem professionally will be promoted through effective and safe patient care practices in accordance with the patient's needs by taking into consideration ethical principles as well as human rights and medical law requirements. Perform professional duties with confidence in collaboration with other health care professionals and where appropriate assume leadership in tasks or projects in order to promote efficient and effective service delivery and total quality management in the radiography profession as well as the healthcare service in general. Keep up with the current trends and changing needs of Diagnostic Radiography service on a regional, national and international level by undertaking research or fostering a research climate within the radiography profession. Contribute towards and facilitate continuing professional development of Diagnostic Radiography staff by either engaging in research or fostering the research environment and encouraging teamwork among radiographers and other healthcare professionals. Communicate effectively in the learning and health care environment by demonstrating competency and skills necessary for use of technology and associated accessories necessary for transfer or sharing of information among healthcare workers and other stakeholders so as to deliver quality patient care and facilitate management processes. Use science and technology in order to improve Diagnostic Radiography practice through efficient organisational and management skills for both patient's information and any other information necessary to efficient healthcare service delivery. Demonstrate an understanding of Diagnostic Radiography principles in order to solve practical problems within radiography will be promoted by the competent performance of routine and specialised radiographic procedures.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  1. Request Form Interpretation: Interpret request forms for validity and demonstrate knowledge of relevant radiographic terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathology to select appropriate techniques for producing diagnostic images.
  2. Accessory Equipment and Imaging Systems: Select and utilize accessory equipment and imaging systems for specific positioning techniques to ensure optimal exposure factors are adapted to produce high-quality diagnostic images.
  3. Radiation Protection and Safety Measures: Apply radiation protection and safety measures effectively to each radiographic technique and procedure.
  4. Radiographic Techniques and Procedures: Competently prepare and perform routine and specialized radiographic techniques and procedures, with and without contrast media.
  5. Aseptic Techniques: Demonstrate aseptic techniques for both routine and specialized examinations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  1. Information Technology Skills: Demonstrate skills in recording, retrieving, and communicating patient data using information technology.
  2. Data Compilation and Presentation: Compile data and present information scientifically.
  3. Effective Communication: Communicate information technology effectively within the radiographic context.
  4. Information Evaluation: Select and critically evaluate relevant information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  1. Radiographic Image Evaluation: Evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic quality and ensure they conform to medico-legal requirements.
  2. Anatomical Knowledge Application: Apply integrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to evaluate normal and abnormal radiographic appearances.
  3. Corrective Measures: Apply corrective measures to radiographic techniques when necessary.
  4. Communication with Healthcare Professionals: Communicate radiographic appearances to referring healthcare professionals for further patient management.
  5. Independent Judgement: Exercise independent judgement in performing additional radiographic views when justified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  1. Quality Assurance Principles: Demonstrate principles of quality assurance and quality control in developing departmental protocols.
  2. Equipment Management: Select, order, and maintain equipment and accessories within budget constraints to provide an efficient service.
  3. Communication and Cooperation: Develop and maintain effective communication and cooperation among all role players.
  4. Performance Management Strategies: Develop performance management strategies with an understanding of management principles and relevant legislation.
  5. Record Keeping: Maintain departmental records and statistics accurately according to requirements.
  6. Facility Design and Equipment: Demonstrate integrated knowledge in designing or modifying diagnostic facilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  1. Patient Assessment: Assess patients based on clinical condition and take appropriate action.
  2. Cultural and Psychological Diversity: Respect cultural and psychological diversity of patients to provide quality service.
  3. Patient Communication: Provide simple and professional explanations of radiographic procedures to patients.
  4. Patient Care: Apply optimal care before, during, and after procedures.
  5. Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective written, verbal, and non-verbal communication with patients and healthcare team members.
  6. First Aid Skills: Demonstrate first aid skills when applicable.
  7. Contrast Media Reaction: Recognize contrast media reaction symptoms, take appropriate action, and provide assistance in emergency medicine.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  1. Ethical Considerations: Recognize and act upon psychological, cultural, and ethical considerations of patients and their families professionally.
  2. Patient Rights: Protect patient rights as outlined in the Bill of Rights, Patients Charter, and relevant medical laws while maintaining confidentiality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  1. Application of Principles: Apply and integrate subject principles into related activities.
  2. Specialized Techniques: Apply specialized techniques to achieve contextual objectives.
  3. Quality Assurance: Apply quality assurance principles for optimal results within the subject context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  1. Research Principles: Demonstrate research principles and methodology in a research proposal and project within Diagnostic Radiography.
  2. Relevance of Research: Ensure research relevance aligns with national needs and biomedical ethical policies.
  3. Resource Evaluation: Critically evaluate and utilize suitable resources for the research project.
  4. Findings Presentation: Present findings and conclusions orally and in writing according to established research practice.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated assessment includes a variety of assessment methods such as written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, clinical reports, assessment of clinical competence, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), and completion of a mini-dissertation. The qualification is awarded based on evidence provided to assessors that the stated competence has been achieved. The assessment should:

  • Measure competency in clinical contexts nationally and internationally.
  • Reflect integration of professional roles, knowledge, and skills from the program outcomes.
  • Provide opportunities for reflection to develop reflexive competence.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Description
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) is a public university located in Cape Town, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three separate institutions. CPUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields including engineering, business, health sciences, applied sciences, and design and informatics. The university is known for its focus on applied research and innovation, and it has strong partnerships with industry and community organizations. CPUT is committed to providing quality education and preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

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