Description

Introduction

AIMS OF THIS BOOK
The main aim of this book is to provide a user-friendly text which will give
both instruction for radiographic examination of patients and reference
for evaluation of the image produced. Although the idea of an ‘instruction
manual’ may appear at odds with the evaluative philosophy of an
honours degree, this text will at times consider and evaluate techniques in
order to encourage synthesis and evaluation. An additional comment
might be that students in particular need to be introduced to the skills of

radiographic technique before they can undertake any form of evalu-
ation.

The method used for technique descriptions has been selected as a
logical approach to the skills of the radiographer, breaking tasks down
into one-step instructions and making it relevant to actual practice, e.g.
the suggestion for masking off cassettes in order to include multiple
projections on one film, which is frequently carried out but never
documented. Students using this book as reading material prior to clinical
practice may find this approach advantageous. This style has been chosen
as a result of discussion with student radiographers, who comment that,
although they have access to texts or course notes on radiographic
technique, descriptions of action required fail to mention essential
preparatory steps, such as centring an X-ray tube to a bucky, or seldom
offer tips for successful practice. Of course qualified radiographers will
always pass on useful hints for successful practice, but a reliable text
which offers information of this type will ensure that the information is
available to all.