The Clinical Imaging Programme is a core part of my CPD practice

My background

I first started out in the NHS working as a healthcare assistant at my local hospital in Colchester. From there I was able to secure a training position as an assistant practitioner in radiology. Several years later I am an advanced practitioner radiographer reporting radiographs of the appendicular and axial skeleton. I gained my post graduate reporting qualifications at Canterbury Christ Church University and I’m currently undertaking empirical research to complete my MSc in clinical reporting. 

One of the aspects of practice I enjoy the most is teaching. I regularly deliver expert lectures on aspects of image interpretation to various health professionals. Together with a colleague I run a formal image interpretation study day for the interpretation of trauma radiographs aimed at radiographers and clinicians working in minor injury units and the emergency department.

Learning with elfh

I do not recall how I first came across elearning for healthcare (elfh); I suspect it was after reading a feature in Synergy News.  A quick check of my activity record on elfh tells me I first started using the CoR Clinical Imaging (previously called 'image interpretation') modules early 2012 and I have been using them regularly ever since.  

I have been using the image interpretation modules as foundational continuing professional development alongside other online resources, traditional textbooks and journal articles. Together with regular clinical audit and reflective practice I am able to maintain my competence in clinical reporting to assure patient safety and maintain a high quality service.   

My understanding is that the CoR modules are targeted at radiographers to underpin preliminary clinical evaluation and clinicians working in minor injury units or other emergency care settings. So whilst not specifically targeted I have found the standard of the materials very high and useful to me in my capacity as a reporting radiographer.

If you are lucky enough to be allocated formal CPD time then undertaking modules relevant to your practice is a great use of this valuable time. However, in reality ‘free time’ for CPD is often sporadic at best; the image interpretation programme leads itself to fit in with a busy work life e.g. if you find yourself with a spare 20 minutes you can jump on. The system will save your progress allowing you to continue from where you left off next time. 

Recommendations 

Without hesitation I would recommend the Clinical Imaging sessions and regularly do to anyone that will listen!  In my opinion it is an excellent resource available to support radiographers and other health professionals develop their image interpretation skills. 

The modular system allows the learner to be selective and develop a bespoke training package to meet their individual needs. The plain radiograph modules are essential reading for radiographers to support the transition from a traditional ‘red dot’ system to ‘preliminary clinical evaluation’. 

Furthermore I would highly recommend completing the relevant modules for radiographers aspiring to undertake post graduate training in clinical reporting, to hit the ground running. The programme monitors your activity so you can use this as evidence of formal CPD in interviews for training positions, for example.