CT colonography for Radiographers
Background
Following discussions with the National Clinical Programme for Radiology in early 2015, there was an obvious clinical need to improve efficiencies in the performance of CT colonography (CTC) examinations nationally. With this in mind and conscious of national (Faculty of Radiology, 2013) and European (ESGAR, 2013) guidelines that Radiographers should be able to insert rectal catheters and insufflate the bowel for CTC examinations, it Clinical Portfolio Radiographer CTC 2015was agreed that the IIRRT would develope an educational resource for its members to facilitate upskilling of Radiographers in the techniques, skills and knowledge associated with the technique.
To achieve competency
The aim of this online CPD programme is to ensure that Radiographers become competent and confident in their ability to both insert rectal catheters and insufflate the large bowel for CT colonography examinations.
There are four aspects to this programme, prior to Radiographers being deemed competent
- Complete the theoretical component (online presentations + additional reading)
- Devise and institute a departmental protocol covering ‘Bowel insufflation by Radiographers for CT colongraphy procedures’, which is agreed and signed off on locally by Head of Department
- Organise a Clinical Supervisor locally (radiologist)
- Perform a minimum of 20 cases under supervision (and record within a clinical logbook & Competency signed off on by Clinical Supervisor before allowed to practice independently
1. Theoretical component
This has four different modules, which must all be completed as follows
1. Introduction and Requirements (20 minutes)
[cap_iframe_loader type=’open_link_in_new_window’ href=’http://www.iirrt.ie/wp-content/uploads/adobe_captivate_uploads/CTC_insufflation_by_Rads_Module_19/multiscreen.html’]
PDF notes MODULE 1
2. Anatomy Indications and Risk Factors (30 minutes)
PDF notes MODULE 2
3. Equipment and Preparation (30 minutes)
PDF notes MODULE 3
4. Technique (60 minutes)
PDF notes MODULE 4
Once completed, members should log onto the IIRRT CPD Hub and complete the MCQ exam which on successful completion will allow you to print off a certificate in your name.
2. Devise a departmental protocol
Please refer to module 1 in Theoretical component for notes and advise
3. Organise a clinical supervisor locally
This should be a registered radiologist agreed locally and as the scheme already has support from the National Clinical Programme for Radiology should not be a problem, once a clinical need is identified (i.e. CT colonography examinations are performed locally).
The clinical supervisor will be required to
- Provide support, teaching and learning opportunities in the clinical practicum;
- Provide dedicated time and opportunities for the radiographer to perform rectal intubation and insufflation on a range of patients;
- Verifying and documenting all supervised practice documentation for the duration of the training programme;
- Meeting formally with the learner to review progress;
- Formally assessing the learner’s competence in the clinical practicum using the Clinical Competency Assessment Tool;
- Documenting that the learner is competent or not competent to perform rectal intubation and insufflation;
4. Supervised Practice
The learner undertaking this programme must engage in a period of supervised practice of 20 procedures prior to undertaking clinical competency assessment.
A sample clinical logbook is supplied for all Radiographers to complete during their training period