1. Outline of Radiological Technology Diagnostic Radiography Therapeutic Radiography V.G.Wimalaena Principal School of Radiography

2. Radiological Technology Radiological technology is a branch of Healthcare It is the science (& art) that deals with diagnosis of diseases (by imaging) and treatment of some diseases using ionizing radiation

3. Diagnostic Imaging modalities (branches) 1. Using ionizing radiation Radiography – Producing images using X-rays Plain radiography – Static images (chest, skull, abdomen..) Contrast Radiography Static images (e.g. IVU….) Dynamic images (Fluoroscopy) – (e.g. Barium studies, Coronary Angiography)

4. Diagnostic Imaging …. Mammography Tomography (conventional) Computerized Tomography (CT) Computed Radiography (CR) Digital Radiography (DR) Digital Fluoroscopy Digital Subraction Angiography Nuclear Imaging (Radio-Isotope imaging) Bone scan, renal studies, thyroid scans..SPECT, PET

5. Diagnostic Imaging …. 2. Other modalities (that does not involve ionizing radiation) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Ultra Sound scanning (US)

6. Therapeutic Radiography Treatment of Cancers using Ionizing radiation Brachytherapy Teletherapy

7. Brachytherapy The radiation source is kept as close as possible to the site of the tumour (usualy within the body) To minimize the effect on the normal structures To maximize the effectiveness of the treatment Using beta rays, gamma rays Positron therapy

8. Teletherapy The radiation source is out side the body and at a distance from the tumour Cobolt 60 sources High energy x-rays Linear accelerators

9. Who are we? Radiological technologists/Radiographers Are members of a team of health- care professionals who work in consort to maximize patient wellness Are Governed by a code of ethics and principles of professional conduct

10. Our Duties

11. General radiography

12. Plain radiography

13. IVU

14. Barium studies

15. Mammography

16. CT Scanning

17. CT images

18. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)

19. Coronary Angiography

20. Nuclear Medicine

21. (Nuclear imaging) Bone scans

22. Nuclear medicine SPECT scanning

23. MRI Scanning

24. MRI images

25. Lithotripsy

26. Radiotherapy - Teletherapy

27. Masking

28. Planning & Simulation

29. Brachytherapy

30. Linear Accelerator

31. Advancement in the field PET-CT – hybrid images of PET & CT to locate the tumours for treatment SPECT-CT

32. Specific Risks involved Mechanical injury Electrical injury Radiation injury

33. Radiation hazards Somatic effects Cancer Cataract Leucaemia ……… Genetic effects Fetal Deformities Infertility Abortion Still births

34. Radiation protection Patient Public – dose limits Staff - Self – Occupatienal dose limit (IAEA) Monitoring Devices Procedure

35. Competencies Required Patient care Anatomy & Physiology (Structure and function of the body) Pathology (Identifying diseases) Equipment (Physics, operation & maintenance Imaging techniques Radio-Therapy techniques Radiation protection Quality control

36. Patient care Both fields (diagnostic & Therapy) deal with different catogories of patients Should demonstrate knowledge & skills in Patient psychology Effective communication Patient care techniques

37. Training Two years (Full time) School Started in 1957 Still the same duration No post basic training / continuing education avenues No avenues for upgrading professional level

38. Achievements Starting BSc. Radiogaphy course at University of Peradeniya in 2006

39. Challenges To overcome the Objections for the Degree programme by some elements of the health sector.. To stop emplyment of unqualified personnel as radiographers in private sector

40. Deficiencies in present training & suggestions Facilities incompatible with the number of trainees. Inadiquate duration No procedure for Recruitment of tutors CT, MRI, NM are not included Extention of training period – 3 years Implementation of a Proper recruitment procedure

41. Future plans to upgrade the radiological technology in Sri lanka Implementation of in-service training programme Convert the school to university college? External degree/lateral entry to Bsc cources ? Service minute - implement / ammendment?

42. Thank you!