Radiotherapy

Ö The immobilization aids for advanced specialized radiotherapy procedures are produced. Ö The principles of accurate patient set up for radiotherapy treatment are demonstrated in the manufacturing / effective use of immobilization devices. Ö Beam modification devices required for specialized radiotherapy procedures are critically evaluated. Ö Beam modification devices required for specialized radiotherapy procedures are produced where indicated. Ö The principles of IMRT equipment and accessories are discussed and critically evaluated. Ö Advanced principles of PACS and Teleradiology are critically evaluated and discussed. Ö IMRT equipment is operated efficiently with problem solving skills demonstrated. ||
 * OUTCOME 1 – DEVELOPMENTS IN RADIOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT **
 * ** SPECIFIC OUTCOMES ** || ** ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ** ||
 * Apply knowledge to produce immobilization and beam modification devices for advanced specialised radiotherapy techniques and procedures**.** ||  Ö The immobilization aids for advanced specialized radiotherapy procedures are critically evaluated.

** OUTCOME 2 – ADVANCES IN RADIOGRAPHY AND ITS CLINICAL IMPACT ** Ö The patient’s clinical condition is evaluated and analysed and appropriate techniques and procedures are selected in consultation with the oncologist. o IMRT o IGRT o Rapid Arc · Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology is applied in producing a radiotherapy treatment plan for IMRT. · Treatment planning volumes are calculated accurately. o The principles of radiobiology and radiation physics are applied to produce a radiotherapy treatment plan. o The radiotherapy treatment plan is produced using the specified criteria for IMRT. o Advanced application software is accurately used in context. o Patients are prepared for IMRT procedures according to departmental protocols for accurate treatment delivery. o Radiotherapy treatment plans for IMRT are critically evaluated.Images of optimum quality are produced and critically evaluated for the verification of radiation treatment fields where indicated. o Patient care is applied to the patient and family/friends according to their rights, needs and specific cultures. o Care, safety and maintenance of IMRT equipment and accessories are demonstrated. || Ö Illustrations and anatomy images are compared with MR, ultrasound, radioisotope and CT images in the same imaging planes and at the same level where applicable. Ö The characteristic appearance of each anatomical structure as it appears on CT, MRI, radioisotope and ultrasound is identified and described. Ö The common diseases diagnosable via CT are identified and described. ||
 * ** SPECIFIC OUTCOMES ** || ** ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ** ||
 * Apply and integrate knowledge of radiotherapy sciences in order to produce a radiotherapy treatment plan and deliver treatment with IMRT || Ö The principles and indication of IMRT are critically evaluated and discussed.
 * Acquire an advanced knowledge of applied sectional anatomy, physiology and pathology using various imaging methods for the relevant systems || Ö Gross anatomical structures are identified and located in axial, sagittal, coronal and orthogonal planes.

** OUTCOME 3 – QUALITY ASSURANCE ** Ö Quality assurance procedures for advanced imaging systems are critically evaluated. Ö The IMRT treatment process is quality assured including the equipment (using appropriate control tests) for accurate treatment delivery. Ö The results of quality control tests on IMRT are evaluated, analysed and interpreted. Ö Equipment faults are identified, evaluated and correctional action is taken. Ö Staff and patient satisfaction are evaluated, analysed and monitored using the appropriate instruments. Ö The departmental quality assurance programme is critically evaluated and improved based on the results of the evaluation. Ö Radiation protection and safety measures are correctly applied to the patient, staff and public during IMRT procedures, according to the relevant legislation and departmental protocols. ||
 * ** SPECIFIC OUTCOMES ** || ** ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ** ||
 * Perform and maintain a total quality assurance programme relevant to IMRT and related radiotherapy services |||| Ö The principles and applications of Total Quality Management are evaluated and discussed in terms of radiotherapy department.
 * Link to the NCI guidelines that must be reviewed: ** [].