Red Dot Course for Radiographers (Online)

Course Focus

This Red Dot Course is designed specifically for Radiographers seeking to enhance confidence and improve their diagnostic assessment and accuracy.

The course focuses on developing the skills needed to identify a range of acute pathologies on x-rays, including fractures, dislocations, chest abnormalities and more. Participants will build robust knowledge and improve their ability to flag potentially critical findings.

Suitable for newly qualified Radiographers or Radiographers looking to refresh their skills.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion, delegates will be able to:

• Explain the principles and purpose of the red dot system in Radiology, including it's role in the early identification of acute abnormalities.
• Identify key radiographic features of common acute pathologies, eg fractures, dislocations, pneumothorax.
• Use structured approaches (such as ABCS for trauma images) to review radiographic images systematically and minimise diagnostic oversight.
• Distinguish between normal anatomical variants and common pathological findings on Radiographs.
• Demonstrate clear and timely communication of urgent findings to the appropriate clinical teams, adhering to best practices in documentation and escalation.
• Recognise the limitations of the red dot system and understand when to seek further radiological or clinical input.
• Appreciate the impact of early abnormality detection on patient outcomes, workflow efficiency and overall quality of care.
• Critically evaluate personal performance in image interpretation and contribute to ongoing quality improvement initiatives within the Radiology department.

Course Delivery

This course is delivered live and online via Zoom over two days. Delivery includes practical interactive image review sessions backed up with the theory of pattern recognition and the red dot system. Polling sessions and discussion and breakout areas will also be utilised. There will be an assessment on day two of the course. 

Access

Course access will require a PC/Mac or tablet (Apple or Android). Delegates will need to access the course from a quiet, lone working location without interruption due to the assessment on day two. A working webcam and microphone is also essential. Delegates will be unable to undertake the assessment if the above requirements are unable to be met.

Course Programme

Day 1 (six hours contact time)

• Theory of Pattern Recognition and the Red Dot System
• Application in the Axial Skeleton
• Application in the Appendicular Skeleton

Day 2 (six hours contact time)

• Image Theory Recap
• Red Flag and Accidental Findings
• Image Viewing (Variety of Axial and Appendicular Skeleton)
• Image Viewing Assessment