Introduction

This module is delivered as 100% Distance Learning; materials are accessed as 'online anytime' with no scheduled teaching on campus or live online.  There will be feedback and communication between students and the course team via online platforms throughout the module.  This approach  allows you the flexibility to study at a time convenient to you, removing the need to take time away from work or home.  This module aims to enable you to learn the theoretical knowledge required to interpret projectional radiographic images of the musculoskeletal system, through the study of projectional radiographic appearances commonly seen in practice. It is relevant to all health professionals who have an interest in, or require an understanding of, radiographs of trauma in particular. The module will help you develop and apply skills to recognise normal and abnormal appearances of projectional radiographic images. By the end of the module, you will be able to synthesise clinical information commonly encountered in a range of care settings, especially acute and emergency care, to enable you to describe the radiographic appearances in a structured written format suitable to your role and scope of practice.

This module is offered in line with the current drivers to improve the patient experience in the A&E and other departments, by helping to eliminate missed diagnoses.

This module alone does not prove competence to provide medical reports, professionals undertaking it will be able to use their knowledge and skills to enhance the service they provide, in accordance with their professional scope of practice and employer's policies.

Who the module is aimed at:

The module is relevant to registered healthcare professionals who use or interpret images in their practice, typically diagnostic radiographers, junior doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists.

Benefits of taking the module to the individual, the organisation and the patient.

By studying this module you can informally interpret projectional musculoskeletal radiographic appearances, commonly seen in clinical practice.

For Diagnostic Radiographers, this module will enhance your 'abnormality detection systems' and 'Preliminary Clinical Evaluation' or commenting skills.

For non-Radiographers, this will enable you to formulate an opinion within your scope of practice to enhance you knowledge and skills relevant to your role.

What you learn

By engaging successfully with this module you can:

Recognise normal and abnormal appearances of projectional radiographic images of the musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on appendicular trauma.
Formulate a diagnosis or differential diagnoses.
Formulate and communicate a written professional opinion based on the interpretation of radiographic images.
General areas covered.

Identify and describe normal versus abnormal appearances, including normal variants of the following anatomical regions:

Shoulder girdle to hand/fingers (upper limb)
Pelvic girdle to foot/toes (lower limb)
Normal versus abnormal cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
Description of fractures, dislocations and other conditions.
Skills gained for the workplace

Technical skills in image interpretation

Unique or interesting features

You learn with a range of health professionals as this module is offered across a range of courses in different professional groups.

As a 100% distance learning module you will require access to a computer with:

A reliable internet connection
Microsoft or Apple Mac Supported Office Software
The current version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

Fees and Funding for 2025/26

Further details

For further information please contact the module leader Denise Foulkes - d.foulkes@shu.ac.uk

Related course(s)

• MSc Advancing Professional Practice