DXA Reporting for Clinicians

Program Overview

Through interactive study days, online sessions, and a reflective portfolio, students develop the skills necessary for consistent and independent reporting. This module can be part of the PGCert Bone Densitometry Reporting.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Module Code: 7RD506
• Module Level: Level 7
• Module Credits: 40 credits
• Duration: 36 weeks
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus
• Module Description:
• Evidences addressing learning needs related to DXA reporting.
• Enables maintaining currency and safe clinical practice as per local clinical governance procedures.
• Develops and enhances practice within a multi-professional strategy.
• Utilizes a systematic approach to reporting BMD and VFA results from DXA scans.
• Involves working closely with a service-based mentor to report DXA scans consistently and independently.
• Reviews the role of vertebral fracture assessment.
• Reviews technical aspects of bone densitometry assessment and patient management aligned with national guidance.
• Focuses on central DXA, excluding peripheral DXA or quantitative ultrasound (QUS).
• Topics Covered:
• Normal and osteoporotic appearances on DXA images, including understanding of normal variants.
• Clinical risk factors affecting BMD.
• Artefacts and confounding factors, such as patient positioning.
• Radiographic appearance of vertebral fracture on lateral DXA images.
• Treatment thresholds for different patient groups.
• Treatment protocols.
• Significance of changes in DXA results over time and implications for treatment.
• Effect of treatment on DXA results.
• Quantitative and semi-quantitative vertebral fracture assessment, including fracture risk assessment.
• Common pitfalls of interpreting DXA scan results.
• Normal ranges.
• Records and record keeping.
• Radiation protection and IRMER.
• Terminology and writing reports.
• Governance framework.
• Structure:
• Lasts for about 36 weeks, dependent on portfolio development time.
• Minimum of two study days on campus and three study evenings online.
• Interactive study days include keynote lectures, case study discussions in small groups, and viewing of scan sessions.
• Assessment:
• Reflective portfolio:
• Independent reporting on BMD results.
• Commentary on normal variants, artefacts, and appearances in the image.
• Broad range of examples reflecting patient population diversity.
• Treatment recommendations aligned with local protocols.
• Audit of reports compared with those of a trained practitioner.
• Portfolio sign-off by a trained practitioner mentor.
• Examination on Vertebral Fracture Assessment.
• Assignment on Vertebral Fracture Assessment.
• Course Team:
• Claire Richards - Module leader and Programme Leader PGCert Bone Densitometry Reporting
• Neil Powrie - DXA, Radiography
• Dr Elena Kariki - Radiology, DXA

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Reflective portfolio
• Audit of reports
• Examination
• Assignment
• Criteria:
• Consistent reporting on adult DXA images to a recognized clinical standard.
• Critical analysis and interpretation of management decisions on DXA images.
• Review of the role of vertebral fracture assessment.

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Interactive study days
• Keynote lectures
• Case study discussions
• Viewing of scan sessions
• Faculty:
• Claire Richards
• Neil Powrie
• Dr Elena Kariki

Other:

• This module can be used to form part of the Bone Densitometry Reporting PG Cert.
• The course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.