Clinical Technologist - Bone Densitometry

Job overview

The post holder will assist in the technical work of the Bone Densitometry Unit across both New Cross Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital sites. They will carry out a range of procedures associated with bone densitometry measurements to a high level of precision, positioning patients accurately to ensure reliable and reproducible results.

The role is undertaken under the supervision of a qualified Clinical Technologist.

Main duties of the job

Act as an Operator for the Bone Densitometry (DXA) Service, performing bone mineral density measurements and associated imaging in accordance with IR(ME)R regulations and local protocols.

Undertake pre-scan assessments, including obtaining relevant patient history and ensuring all IR(ME)R requirements are met prior to imaging.

Ensure accurate patient identification, preparation, and positioning to achieve optimal scan quality.

Perform scan acquisition and preliminary analysis in line with departmental protocols.

Maintain high standards of patient care, safety, and communication throughout the scanning process.

Participate in regular audit and quality assurance of associated processes to support service improvement and compliance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be managerially and technically responsible to the Chief Clinical Technologist/Section Head in the Bone Densitometry section.

To be clinically responsible to the appropriate medical consultant for technical procedures carried out directly on patients. All patient procedures are to be completed in a sympathetic and considerate manner, reporting immediately any clinical problems to the Chief Clinical Technologist/Section Head and appropriate consultant.

To act as an Operator for the Bone Densitometry Service for the performance of imaging/bone mineral density measurements in accordance with IR(ME)R protocols.

To fully understand and adhere to the IR(ME)R procedures in the section.

To undertake a range of routine bone densitometry measurements using the DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) machine under the indirect supervision of the Chief Clinical Technologist/Section Head across New Cross Hospital and Cannock Chase Hospital sites.

To position the patient appropriately, selecting appropriate scan positions and parameters and to acquire images.

To use the highly complex x-ray equipment in a way that will not cause harm to self, patients or others.

To assess all images to ensure they reach the required standard for accurate analysis.

To complete a pre-scan assessment with patients to determine relevant history.

To communicate information to patients regarding the scan and to check that all IR(ME)R requirements are met prior to the commencement of the imaging procedure.

To work with disabled and immobile patients, communicating with the patient, their relatives and carers to obtain diagnostically acceptable measurements.

To maintain patient confidentiality and dignity at all times.

To prepare standard image output displays and assist in the analysis of the images to obtain a measure of bone mineral density.

To perform routine quality control and cleaning of equipment.

To assist in the maintenance of records and to carry out any administrative duties that may be required.

To complete stock control procedures as required ensuring adequate stocks of stationery and printed forms for the smooth operation of the service.

To have an understanding of radiation protection and its application in all relevant work practices.

To be aware of and comply with all department safety regulations which will include the need for safe working with ionising radiation.

To be able to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people including patients, other health care professionals, and patient’s relatives or carers.

To be able to manage own workload while responding to changing demands on the department and providing help where required.

To demonstrate work of section to staff from other sections as required and to support and supervise learners including trainees and work experience visitors.

To organise patient satisfaction surveys for section.

To contribute to Clinical Governance and Audit within the bone densitometry service.

To conform to the systems, processes and procedures as detailed in the department’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Manual

To contribute as required to the continual improvement of the department’s Quality Management System, including its systems, processes and procedures.

To conform to the systems, processes and procedures required to interact with the department’s IQM Document Management System.

To undertake any other duties which may be required and which are appropriate to the post.

To undergo staff appraisal and regular review to identify any further training and development needs.

This Job Description may be reviewed periodically as work requirements change. The post holder will be expected to contribute towards that review.