Quick Self Studies

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Care – REVISED/UPDATED 2018

Since it can be difficult for patients and health professionals alike to find reliable and trustworthy information about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), this course is designed to educate the learner about CAM in cancer care and provide links to current research and developments in this field. Course topics include a review of different types of CAM, Canadian regulations for CAM usage, potential contraindications with standard cancer therapies, and the concept of “integrative cancer care”. Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to objectively discuss CAM with patients, and refer interested patients and colleagues to trustworthy CAM resources for more information. This course is appropriate for health professionals and anyone with a general interest in this topic.

• Infectious Diseases Review: Prevention, Transmission, Treatment – REVISED/UPDATED 2018

Previously Basic Microbiology for the MRT

More than 200,000 patients get infections every year while receiving healthcare in Canada; more than 8,000 of these patients die as a result. This newly revised and updated Quick Self Study reviews the basics of the chain of infection: source, modes of transmission and susceptible host – with emphasis on your role, as a healthcare professional, in breaking the chain. Terminology and methods currently used in Infection Prevention and Control of a variety of microorganisms is included, as well as resources that will allow you to keep up to date with emerging pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

• Radiographic Pathologies for the IR Technologist: A Review 

This quick self-study will discuss the common pathological processes that patients present with and require treatment for in the interventional radiology department. The QSS will introduce the learner to the systematic approach to pathological classification and the treatment options available for some of these conditions. It will also provide details regarding the radiographic appearance of pathologies and multimodality diagnostic imaging that may be required in order facilitate a diagnosis and potential treatment. This QSS is intended as a review for the practicing interventional radiological technologist, however would also be appropriate for a variety of health professionals looking to expand their knowledge.

• Brachytherapy: An Overview

Brachytherapy is a standard technique in the treatment of many different malignancies however often provided by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team. This quick self study (QSS) will provide a brief overview of past, current and future practices for brachytherapy. Recent advancements including how the use various imaging modalities are expanding brachytherapy treatment delivery techniques will be discussed. Upon completion of this QSS, participants should have a basic understanding of basic brachytherapy practices including how it links to other components of the patient’s treatment and the role of various imaging modalities in brachytherapy treatment delivery.

Image licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, using material from the Wikipedia article “Prostate brachytherapy”.

• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

This quick self-study (QSS) course is intended to introduce the learner to stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and it’s role within radiation therapy. The course will provide an introduction to SBRT, its evolution and indications for use for certain patients. Immobilization, simulation, treatment planning and quality assurance will all be discussed in relation to SBRT. As well, there will also be a brief overview on individual tumour sites that benefit from stereotactic body radiotherapy. When the course has been completed the learner should be able to understand overall basics of SBRT and how it applies within the different departments within radiation therapy. The learner

will also understand how SBRT will benefit specific patients and tumours sites.

• MRI in Radiation Therapy

This updated quick self-study (QSS) course will introduce to the learner the basics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and how it is being integrated into radiation therapy. This course will discuss MRI image formation, patient safety, and common image sequences. This course will also explore how MRI is being used in radiation therapy both in simulation and in treatment.

• Offrir une rétroaction efficace aux stagiaires en TRM

La relation entre les stagiaires et les technologues qui travaillent avec ces étudiants peut être très enrichissante ou très difficile. Les technologues sont des experts dans l’exercice de la technologie de radiation médicale et dans un établissement où les étudiants sont assignés à un stage pratique, on s’attend à ce que les technologues soient en mesure de guider les stagiaires pour qu’ils atteignent le niveau de compétence donnant accès à la profession. La rétroaction est une exigence essentielle pour le maintien d’une relation d’apprentissage professionnelle et efficace entre les stagiaires et les technologues. Ce cours d’autoformation rapide fournit aux technologues de l’information sur l’importance de la rétroaction dans le travail auprès des stagiaires. L’application des différents types et styles de rétroaction fait l’objet d’une discussion. Des études de cas et des exemples fournissent aux technologues des stratégies et des outils pour les aider au processus de rétroaction.

• BIENTÔT DISPONIBLE EN FRANÇAIS : La médecine complémentaire et alternative dans les soins contre le cancer

Puisqu’il peut être difficile pour les patients comme pour les professionnels de la santé de trouver de l’information fiable et digne de confiance sur la médecine complémentaire et alternative (MCA), ce cours est conçu pour informer l’apprenant sur la MCA dans les soins contre le cancer et fournir des liens vers des recherches et des développements à jour dans ce domaine. Le cours comprend une revue des différents types de MCA, de la réglementation canadienne sur le recours à la MCA, les contre-indications potentielles avec les thérapies standard contre le cancer, et la notion de « soins intégrés du cancer ». Après avoir terminé ce cours, l’apprenant sera en mesure de discuter objectivement de la MCA avec les patients et de diriger les patients et les collègues vers des ressources de MCA fiables pour plus d’information. Ce cours est approprié pour les professionnels de la santé et toute autre personne ayant un intérêt général pour cette question.

• Basics of Breast MRI

The Breast MR Quick Self-Study (QSS) is an introduction to the use and benefits of evaluating breast tissue with magnetic resonance imaging. In this course the learner will review how breast morphology and blood flow patterns are analyzed with MRI, including correlation of blood flow patterns and anatomy of the breast to the BI-RADS rating system. Indications for breast MRI and criteria for screening and diagnostic scans will be covered. In addition, this course will address the unique requirements for technical preparation, including patient positioning. The course will conclude with a brief overview of MRI guided biopsy and the role of MRI in the evaluation of silicon implants.

Case courtesy of Dr Chris O'Donnell, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 38489

• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)

The stereotactic approach to treating brain lesions has become a standard in many institutions due to the availability of treatment and immobilization options, as well as the superior patient outcomes from the therapy. This quick self study (QSS) will provide a background to the development of SRS and SRT treatments historically, guidelines for patient selection and will illustrate different proprietary devices available. Planning and treatment examples will be provided as well as examples of department and patient pathways. Upon completion of this QSS, students should have a basic understanding of immobilization, department requirements and basic planning for this therapy.

• Effective January 2017, the Computed Radiography (CR): AN Overview Quick Self Study has been discontinued.
• Effective April 2017, the Contrast Media Quick Self Study has been discontinued.

We listened – more education for less cost!

CAMRT quick-self study prices have been rolled back – 1-4 credits just $65 for members! Browse the CPD Catologue on the CAMRT website.