Red Dot X-Ray Interpretation Course (Online)

Course Focus

This Red Dot X-Ray Interpretation Course is designed for Radiographers and Advanced Clinical Practitioners including Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioners working in acute MSK care, for example in A/E or minor injuries and who are seeking to enhance confidence and improve their diagnostic assessment and accuracy. The course focuses on the identification and escalation of suspected pathology, fractures, or other deviations from normal imaging appearances. Participants will build robust knowledge and improve their ability to flag potentially critical findings.

The course will support advanced critical thinking to facilitate delivery of safe and competent care for patients. It is also suitable for individuals working towards these roles and will support existing education required to practice as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner eg. ANP/APP.

Course Content and Learning Outcomes

The course focuses on improving the skills needed to identify a range of acute pathologies on x-rays, including fractures, dislocations, chest abnormalities and more. The course will improve patient safety by reducing missed urgent findings, especially whilst waiting for report completion.

On successful completion, delegates will exhibit enhanced practice in the following areas:

• Explanation of the principles and purpose of the red dot system in radiology, it's integration into clinical pathways and it's role in the early identification of acute abnormalities.
• Appreciate the impact of early abnormality detection on patient outcomes, workflow efficiency and overall quality of care.
• Improved identification of key radiographic features of common acute pathologies, eg. fractures, dislocations, pnemothorax.
• Improved systematic image review techniques and use of structured approaches to review radiographic images and minimise diagnostic oversight.
• Improved ability to 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.
• Awareness of professional roles in the red dot system and the governance framework.
• Critically evaluate personal performance in image interpretation.

Requirements for Course Access and Completion

Course access will require a PC/Mac desktop or laptop - minimum 14 inch screen, suitable for viewing and assessing images. 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 Suitability

Suitable for Radiographers and Current Advanced Clinical Practitioners including Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioners. In order to complete the logbook component, the delegate will need to have access to urgent/trauma cases and be currently rotating through an urgent care setup, for example A/E or a minor injuries unit.

The course is also open to delegates working towards these roles. Please contact us for further details.

Course Delivery

The course is delivered online, is live and interactive and is designed to be attended by delegates from multiple disciplines involved in the care and management of patients in acute MSK care. An online image viewing assessment is included together with a requirement to complete a logbook of cases and a post course reflective piece of work.

The course is split into:

a) Theoretical Study (Ongoing evidenced theoretical knowledge - continual micro assessments).

b) Logbook (independent reflective practice in the delegate's department).

c) Assessment (evidenced application of theoretical knowledge and evidenced pattern recognition skills).

d) Reflective Writing (awareness of application and impact).

More information on the course leads can be found here:

Edward Proctor

Alexandros Leontaritis

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.

Between Day 1 and Day 2: Completion of a 15 case logbook in delegate's department (15 cases). This will include:

• Basic clinical history of the case.
• Whether or not a red dot was applied to the case.
• Review of decision by peer/senior colleague, as appropriate.
• Whether peer/senior colleague agreed or disagreed with delegate's decision.
• Perceived difficulty level 1-5 (by delegate) of the case.
• Comments by senior colleague and delegate, identifying any areas for improvement.

Day 2 (six hours contact time)

• Logbook Reviews.
• Image Theory Recap - Quiz.
• Red Flag and Incidental Findings.
• Image Viewing Preparation for Assessment (Variety of Axial and Appendicular Skeleton).
• Image Viewing Assessment (10 Axial, 10 Appendicular Cases).

Zoom Waiting Room from 08:50am.

Registration and Welcome 09:00am.

Course Times:

09:00-16:00 Part 1 

09:00-16:00 Part 2

Minimum 12 Hours Contact Time