evidence-based radiography practice
The radiography principles that require the application of quality decision-making and radiography care based on proven clinical expertise as well as the most recent research developments in the field.
Diagnostic radiographers plan, prepare and perform diagnostic imaging examinations and post processing, with a wide range of equipment and techniques using X-rays, strong magnetic fields or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and high frequency sound (Ultrasound).
Competences and skills
71 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 15 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
5 competencesmedical contrast agents
Substances used in medical imaging techniques to reinforce the visibility of certain features in organs or cells.
medical oncology
The characteristics, development, diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancer in human organisms.
pharmaceutical products
The offered pharmaceutical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
radiobiology
The way ionising radiation interacts with a living organism, how it can be used to treat various cancers and its effects.
Cross-sector
10 competencesfirst aid
The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.
health care legislation
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
health care occupation-specific ethics
The moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patient confidentiality.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
human physiology
The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
hygiene in a health care setting
The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.
medical terminology
The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.
paediatrics
Paediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
radiation physics in healthcare
The radiation physics related to conventional radiology, CT, MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic nuclear medicine and their principles such as areas of application, indications, contraindications, limitations and radiation hazards.
radiation protection
The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
green
Essential skills and competences 40 competences
Occupation specific
6 competencesapply medical imaging techniques
Use imaging techniques such as X-rays and ultrasound for looking at the designated body part of the patient. Use a wide range of technology and equipment for this purpose.
assess radiation response
Analyse the patient's response to radiation treatment and determine the course of action to be taken such as interrupting the treatment.
evaluate delivery of radiation treatment
Analyse and evaluate the radiation treatment to ensure that it appropriately meets the prescription.
perform diagnostic imaging procedures
Carry out diagnostic imaging procedures such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging to see see how the patient responds to treatment or to diagnose an abnormality.
prepare for diagnostic imaging procedures
Set up the equipment for diagnostic imaging procedures, ensuring that the room is ready for the patient.
use treatment verification systems
Carry out various methods and verification systems to check and adapt radiation treatments according to the patient's responses.
Sector-specific
20 competencesadhere to organisational code of ethics
Adhere to organisational European and regional specific standards and code of ethics, understanding the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and apply this awareness.
analyse X-ray imagery
Analyse X-ray imagery in order to locate the sources of patients` difficulties and interpret the findings.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
apply radiological health sciences
Use and apply radiological health sciences according to the situation and patient's response to treatment.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
conduct cancer screening tests
Undertake screening test at an early stage, before cancer symptoms appear, taking physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging procedures and genetic tests.
conduct preoperative investigations
Conduct tests before a planned surgical operation, taking into consideration possible risk factors apparent from the clinical assessment, the likelihood of asymptomatic abnormalities and the severity of the planned surgery.
contribute to continuity of health care
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
determine imaging techniques to be performed
Determine the appropriate imaging techniques to provide the appropriate diagnostic information to the doctor who requested it.
determine medical images' diagnostic suitability
Appraise the medical images to make sure that they are clear. Determine if they are suitable for further use or if new images need to be taken. Analyse the images for their suitability in treatment planning.
determine patient's exposure factors
Determine the exposure factors to be used for producing a clear image of the pathology or trauma.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
maintain imaging equipment
Inspect imaging equipment and quality assurance processes. Report malfunctions.
manage radiology information system
Develop and maintain a database to store, manage and distribute radiological images and data.
digital
operate medical imaging equipment
Produce high quality medical images using technologically advanced medical imaging equipment such as CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), mobile X-ray machines, ultrasound (US), nuclear medicine with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).
digital
perform bronchoscopy
Conduct bronchoscopy to visualise the tracheobronchial tree for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
post-process medical images
Perform post-processing on medical images, or develop X-ray films, checking processed images to determine if further care is necessary.
prepare patients for imaging procedures
Instruct patients prior to their exposure to imaging equipment, correctly positioning the patient and imaging equipment to obtain the best image of the area being examined.
undertake post-examination activities
Perform post-examination activities such as liaising with the doctor, cleaning the room and speaking with the patient.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Cross-sector
14 competencesapply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
apply radiation protection procedures
Inspect rules related to ionising radiation and ensure these abide by the Medical Exposure Directive (MED).
calculate exposure to radiation
Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.
communicate in healthcare
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations
Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
provide psychological support to patients
Provide accurate psychological and emotional support to anxious, vulnerable and confused healthcare users related to the treatment undergone.
respond to changing situations in health care
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
Optional knowledge 2 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competencedevelopment trends in radiography
The current techniques and developments in radiography and medical imaging.
Cross-sector
1 competencepsychology
The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
Optional skills and competences 14 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesInterpret diagnostic procedures for vascular surgery
Interpret procedures such as venography, angiography in vascular surgery and interpret invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities such as CT scan, MR imaging, and ultrasound.
perform ultrasound
Use ultrasound and sonography imaging techniques to look at the inside of the patient's body.
report on radiological examinations
Record and report on radiological examinations to send to the primary care or referring physician.
Sector-specific
8 competencesadminister contrast media
Use and administer contrast agents to enhance the visibility of the body in medical imaging.
conduct radiotherapy computer planning
Produce a three-dimensional plan of the distribution of radiation across the anatomical area to be treated.
digital
conduct video telemetry
Record brainwaves for several days, combined with video images from a camera, in order to help decide if epilepsy surgery is feasible.
digital
determine eye disease progression
Determine the effects and progression of eye disease by applying specialised diagnostic and imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography and topography.
identify progression of disease
Recognise changing signs, symptoms and progression of disease and make appropriate decisions related to the continuation or changing of the treatment.
interpret medical images
Analyse medical images in order to diagnose illnesses and injuries.
perform clinical research in radiography
Perform clinical research in the field of radiography, ranging from recruitment to trials through research studies, evaluating newer technologies and techniques as part of providing evidence based practice.
use obstetric sonography
Apply medical ultrasonography to obstetrics to show the foetus in the mother`s womb.
Cross-sector
3 competencesconduct health related research
Conduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.
- Scope note
- Research topics may include illness, acute, chronic and non-communicable conditions, public health, clinical research, health promotion and disease prevention topics.
use foreign languages for health-related research
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.