Additional Questions

Question 1

Why is radiation protection important?

Answer 1

• Machines such as X-rays and CT scans use ionising radiation:
• can damage cells
• increase long-term cancer
• be more harmful to children and unborn babies

Question 2

What are the national health service (NHS) values?
1. Pick 1- 2 values
2. Give a short real-life example
3. Link it to radiography

Answer 2

• working together for patients - patients come first, collaboration between healthcare professionals, respecting each others roles, team-based
• respect and dignity - treating every patient as an individual, protecting privacy + confidentiality, being non-judgemental
• commitment to quality of care - providing safe, effective care, continuous improvement, learning from mistakes
• compassion - showing empathy, being kind + considerate, understanding patients may be anxious or in pain
• improving lives - helping people recover, supporting early diagnosis, promoting health
• everyone counts - no discrimination, equal access to care, fair use of resources

Question 3

Why Salford?

Answer 3

• offers significant clinical placement time in NHS within Manchester
• there are facilities which include simulation suits and imaging equipment - reflects real clinical environments
• learn in realistic settings
• provides a clear pathway from training into professional practice
• curriculum is balanced - combines scientific principles, imaging technology, patient centred care, professional development
• diverse patient populations

Question 4

Why radiography and not nursing or medicine?

Answer 4

• more attention to using radiography machines and practicing that specific field
• doctors do not get as much quality time with patients as radiographers do - (talk about diagnostic radiographer Vs radiologist)
• nurses don’t get to use machines in which diagnostic radiography has access to

Question 5

What attracted you to this career?

Answer 5

• advanced imaging technology - different machines which work differently that can produce images
• it combines science + technology with patient care
• can directly support patients
• reassurance for patients
• can specialise after taking the course - different branches + opportunities e.g. sonography radiographers, CT radiographers etc

Question 6

What would you do if a patient refuses an X-ray?

Answer 6

• respect patients decision
• ask patients about any concerns + questions
• would explain why the x-ray may be needed + its benefits
• ask a supervising radiographer or radiology team for further support

Question 7

Work experience: What you learned? How it applies to radiography? What challenges you observed?

Answer 7

• patient care is essential
• patients tend to feel anxious or worried - identifying concerns is important
• observed patients who would complain, would want to go home
• observed during ward rounds - doctors would only have limited time with patients
• teamwork is vital - clear communication - due to there being so much going on

Question 8

What do you think will be the most challenging part of the course?

Answer 8

• interaction with anxious patients or patients who may refuse diagnosis
• balancing technical accuracy with patient care - being having to position patients correctly + ensure all images are high of quality, as well as the patient being comfortable
• radiation safety
• working under high -pressure environments

Question 9

Strong answers include:

Answer 9

• understanding difference between diagnostic radiography and therapeutic radiography
• awareness of AI developments in imaging
• knowledge of multidicsiplinary teamwork
• awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion

Question 10

How are staff protected from radiation?

Answer 10

Lead aprons
Throid shields
Lead screens
Personal dosimeters (radiation badges)