Generic basic knowledge

What does the optimisation principle (ALARP) mean under IRR 2017?

Radiation exposures must be kept as low as reasonably practicable, taking economic and social factors into account.

Why Pickwick Hospital?

I am looking for a long-term role, and Pickwick’s structured Band 6 pathway after 2 years aligns with my career goals.

I am particularly drawn to your advanced CT services, including radiographer-led CT Colonography.

What does the justification process under IR(ME)R 2017 consider?

Whether the benefit of the exposure to the patient/society outweighs the risk (detriment), including whether a non-radiation alternative exists.

What role does a Band 5 radiographer hold under IR(ME)R?

Operator — responsible for the practical aspects of the exposure.

Who enforces IR(ME)R 2017 in England?

The CQC (Care Quality Commission).

What is the effective dose limit for an employee aged 18+?

20 mSv per year.

What principle states "no practice shall be adopted unless it produces a net benefit"?

The justification principle.

Who is entitled to request a medical exposure for a patient?

The referrer.

What are the duties of an operator under IR(ME)R?

Carrying out the practical/technical aspects of the exposure — positioning, operating equipment, optimising technique, ID checks.

Who writes the local rules under IRR 2017?

The Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS).

Who enforces IRR 2017 in England?

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive).

What is it called when the wrong person is exposed to radiation?

An unintended/incorrect exposure — reportable under IR(ME)R.

Which regulations describe carers and comforters?

IR(ME)R 2017.

What is the Society of Radiographers (SoR)?

The professional trade union representing radiographers' employment interests.

What is the College of Radiographers (CoR)?

The professional/educational body that sets standards, education, and CPD requirements.

What is the difference between standards, policies, and guidelines?

Standards = mandatory regulator benchmarks; policies = an organisation's formal rules; guidelines = advisory best practice, not mandatory.

What is replacing the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)?

The Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS)

What is the primary legislation supporting safeguarding adults at risk in the UK?

The Care Act 2014.

What is the key principle of adult safeguarding under the Care Act 2014?

Making Safeguarding Personal, built on 6 principles: empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, accountability.

How many professions does the HCPC regulate?

15.

What does the A in Abcde stand for?

What does it mean?

Airway

Clear or obstruction?

How long is the HCPC registration cycle?

2 years.

What does the HCPC require for continuing professional development?

Registrants must maintain a CPD profile throughout their career; some are audited each 2-year cycle.

What do the HCPC Standards of Proficiency state?

Registrants must meet the threshold standards for safe and effective practice in their profession.

What do the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics cover?

Expected professional behaviour and ethical conduct for all registrants.

Which learning style (Honey & Mumford) prefers to listen to others before giving their own view?

Reflector.

Which learning style wants clear practical applications of concepts?

Pragmatist.

Which learning style enjoys doing things and getting involved?

Activist.

Which learning style takes an analytical, logical approach?

Theorist.

What is a leader?

Someone who influences, guides, and motivates others toward a shared goal.

Does the HCPC require you to demonstrate leadership behaviours?

True — it's part of the Standards of Proficiency.

Do most leaders show qualities from a single leadership style only?

False — most demonstrate qualities from multiple styles.

Are autocratic leaders usually well-liked with high follower job satisfaction?

False — autocratic leadership tends to correlate with lower morale and satisfaction.

Is micromanagement a typical drawback of laissez-faire leadership?

False — laissez-faire risks too little direction; micromanaging is more associated with autocratic leadership.

IR(ME)R what does it stand for?

Ionising Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations

IR(ME)R 2017 What do they want to hear?

The referrer justifies the need this is usually the doctor

Practitioner justifies the exposure

Operator is the radiographer the exposure

ALARPA keep the dose low but get a diagnostic image, the reasoning is to keep each patient safe.

What does ATLS stand for?

Advanced Trauma Life Support

ATLS what does it mean

Identifying the core and greatest threat

ABCDE what does it mean?

Don’t let them choke

Major haemorrhage protocol(MHP)

Catastrophic blood loss + unstable vitals

What is the nice guideline for NOF Fracture

Prompt imaging for surgical planning

What is the morbidity

The rate of illness in a population

Who does NOF fracture occur in most

Above age 70, mainly in females

What is a low energy fall

Fall from standing height

What is low oxygen?

Below 95%

Should you ever prioritise routine scanning?

Never no circumstance, there is nothing life threatening

What is my role during safeguarding?

Recognise → Respond → Record → Report

What does recognise mean? What should I recognise?

Notice the signs of abuse, example marks, cuts etc

Notice behaviour fear and withdrawal, does it fit the explanation given

How should one respond to recognising sign?

Speak privately, no accompanying people present.

Use open, non leading, non judgemental questions.

What is an example of a non-leading question to ask, if you suspect abuse?

How did that injury occur? Any question that does not suggest a conclusion.

What should you do about confidentiality?

I can never promise confidentiality, due to my role. It will be shared if there is a safeguarding risk.

What should I record?

Facts. Dates. Times. Expressions.

In patients words

Why documentation matters?

Provides accurate, legal record, supports safeguarding team’s decisions.

Protection of me and patient.

Where can I report or escalate?

Tell safeguard lead or senior colleague. As few people in the loop to respect patient confidentiality.

Why escalate?

Others may hold pieces.

Specialists can assess risk and act.

What is the Care Act 2014?

The Care Act 2014 legally requires local services to protect vulnerable adults with care needs from abuse while empowering them to make their own choices.

What are the 6 principles of adult safeguarding?

Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, Accountability

Empowerment

Person-centered care, provide real control and support over choices.

Prevention

Proactive support, identify early risks

Proportionality

Least restrictive practice choose minimum necessary intervention

Protection

Advocacy and safeguarding, step in with clear support and safety measures.

Partnership

Multi-agency collaboration, working with people

Accountability

Transparency and ownership, taking clear responsibility for safeguarding decisions

What is capacity rules based on?

Mental Capacity Act 2005

Assume capacity unless shown otherwise

Where is the starting line with children?

Welfare is Paramount

Gillick Competence

Children under 16 can consent as long as they demonstrate sufficient maturity

What framework do children cases use

Every child matters

Why radiography? The Spark

• Physics A level

• Fascinated by CT scanners

• Patient life

Why radiography? The Pivotal Role

• Pivotal to patient

• Statistics show 90%

• Guide medical teams treatment decisions

Why radiography? Agenda

I thrive in with the variety that radiography offers such as A and E and outpatient scanning.

The constant development in technology provides room to always grow and expand clinical skills.

What is your greatest weakness

Knowing when to stop troubleshooting independently and ask for help.

Explaining the weakness of asking for help

• Complex presenting pt, say a trolley shoulder.

• Strict time limit

• Problem individualistic solving

• Escalating to a colleague

• Faster lists, improved diagnostic knowledge

• Better team collaboration

What is transformational leadership?

Inspiring the team, planning for the future, improving services, and making things better

The visionary

When would I mention transformative leadership?

Bringing change, new service etc

What is autocratic leadership?

Taking total control

Low discussion

Clear orders

Why is autocratic leadership used?

Strictly in emergency when speed is the priority

What is democratic leadership used?

Asking the team for their opinions, listening to everyone, and making decisions together.

When is democratic leadership used?

MDT

Collaboration

Solving issues

What is transactional leadership?

Following the rules, tracking checklists, managing rotas, and ensuring compliance.

When is transactional leadership used?

mandatory training

Compliance

Managing rota

What is the coaching leadership style?

Investing time to help an individual staff member grow, learn, and build their confidence.