SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Postgraduate Diploma: Paediatric Radiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
66510  Postgraduate Diploma: Paediatric Radiology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  200  Level 8 and above  Level N/A:Pre-2009 was L8+  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2022-12-31  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The program is designed to complement and expand basic specialist training in diagnostic radiology by providing learners with:
  • Detailed knowledge of paediatric anatomy, congenital anomalies, normal variants and clinical practice relevant to the practice of radiology in the African context.
  • Detailed knowledge of disease entities specific to the paediatric age group and their clinical manifestations relevant to radiology in the African context.
  • Detailed knowledge of disease entities specific to the paediatric age group and their manifestations as demonstrated on conventional radiography, ultrasound, contrast studies, CT and MRI in the African context.
  • Applied pathology and physiology where it contributes to a better understanding of the radiological signs and methods of investigation.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of appropriate, cost-effective, current, imaging protocols for the investigation of paediatric diseases in the African context.

    Rationale:

    The Postgraduate Diploma aims to enhance the clinical practice and teaching of paediatric radiology at all levels of health care in South Africa and more broadly in Africa, by developing expertise in imaging techniques and familiarity with protocols appropriate to the continent's burden of childhood disease.

    Radiology specialty training in South Africa affords very limited exposure to dedicated paediatric radiology. Registrars on the University of Cape Town rotation have arguably the most comprehensive training in this area in the country, but spend a mere four months (8%) of a four-year program devoted specifically to the discipline. University of Stellenbosch registrars have just two months allotted to dedicated paediatric training. This trend is reflected at all South African academic hospitals.

    No post-specialisation program in paediatric imaging is currently offered anywhere in South Africa or indeed sub-Saharan Africa. There is thus currently no mechanism for supervised post-graduate training in paediatric radiology in the region, although such training is standard in the UK, Europe, Australasia and North America. It is envisaged that introduction of the program will be a precursor to future registration of Paediatric Radiology as a sub-speciality with the Health Profession's Council of South Africa.

    The University of Cape Town and its teaching hospitals are in a unique position to offer supervision and training in paediatric radiology.

    Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital is South Africa's only paediatric liver transplant centre. It is a major paediatric renal transplant, oncology, nephrology, neurology, neuro-developmental, endocrine, critical care, urological, cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, general surgical and trauma centre. Its radiology department is staffed by three full-time consultant radiologists, each with a particular field of interest and expertise, who can provide individual supervision of every aspect of Fellowship training. The department is well equipped for such training, with imaging modalities including digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), digital fluoroscopy, computerised tomography (CT), state of the art ultrasonography, angiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The department also has a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and it is anticipated that a pilot project for voice recognition dictation will be launched in the new year. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Completion of four years of registrarship in an accredited general radiology training program, a specialist qualification in diagnostic radiology and registration as a Specialist in Diagnostic Radiology with the Health Profession's Council of South Africa. Learners will therefore have proven competence in the field o general clinical radiologists and general training in all current imaging modalities appropriate for the practice of cost-effective radiology in the African context.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Entrance requirements will be:
  • Prior completion of four years of registrarship in an accredited general radiology training program.
  • A specialist qualification in diagnostic radiology.
  • Registration as a Specialist in Diagnostic Radiology with the Health Profession's Council of South Africa.

    Access to the qualification:

    An entry requirement will be prior completion of four years of registrarship in an accredited general radiology training program and a specialist qualification in diagnostic radiology, recognised by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    General Exit Level Outcomes:
  • A comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in the discipline of Paediatric Radiology.
  • Coherent and critical knowledge of the theories of Paediatric Radiology.
  • An understanding of the range of research methods appropriate for Paediatric Radiology in the African context.
  • An ability to address complex clinical problems within Paediatric Radiology.
  • Competencies in information technology relevant to Paediatric Radiology, in particular the application of Picture Archival and Communication Systems (PACS).
  • An ability to present and communicate relevant paediatric imaging findings effectively.

    Specific Exit Level Outcomes:

    Accurate reporting of plain radiographs performed in the investigation of paediatric disorders, including:
  • Chest radiographs.
  • Abdominal radiographs.
  • Trauma radiographs.
  • Orthopaedic radiographs.
  • Skeletal surveys for assessment of skeletal dysplasia.

    The performance and accurate reporting of ultrasound examinations in the paediatric age group in the following anatomical areas:
  • Transabdominal, including:
    > Detailed imaging of the urinary tract.
    > Pre- and post-operative liver transplant evaluation with Doppler.
    > Pre- and post-operative renal transplant evaluation with Doppler.
    > Assessment for pyloric stenosis.
    > Doppler imaging of vascular disease.
  • Neonatal transcranial.
  • Infant hip.
  • Face and neck.
  • Chest.
  • Spine.
  • Musculoskeletal.
  • Scrotal.

    The performance and accurate reporting of fluoroscopic procedures in the paediatric age group, particularly:
  • Contrast studies of the urinary system.
  • Contrast studies of the gastrointestinal system.

    Supervision, planning and accurate reporting of paediatric CT scan including the following clinical settings:
  • Trauma, congenital malformations, infection and tumours of the brain and skull.
  • Trauma, congenital malformations and infections of the face and neck.
  • Congenital malformations, infection, tumours and interstitial disease of the chest.
  • Trauma, infections and tumours of the abdomen.
  • Trauma, infections and tumours of the skeleton.

    Supervision, planning and accurate reporting of MRI scans including the following clinical settings:
  • Malformations, myelination disorders, infections, tumours and vascular conditions of the brain.
  • Congenital abnormalities, infections and tumours of the face and neck.
  • Congenital abnormalities, trauma, infections and tumours of bone.
  • Congenital abnormalities and tumours of the biliary tree.
  • Congenital abnormalities, infections and tumours of the genitourinary system.
  • Anatomical and functional studies of the heart.

    The identification and management of suspected non-accidental injury (NAI).

    The practical management of the following paediatric emergencies.

    Neonatal gastrointestinal obstruction:
  • Intussusception. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Formative assessment

    This will comprise 3 parts:
  • Duly Performed Certificate reflecting clinical service delivery.
  • Quality of clinical presentation, assessed by consultant radiologists and clinicians in each module.
  • Quality of clinical case reports will be assessed by consultant radiologists and according to comments by journal reviewers.

    Summative assessment:

    There will be a one-hour short answer spot-film test at the end of each clinical module, covering the module material. Successful identification of the features reflected in these tests will require critical evaluation and appropriate application of a comprehensive knowledge base in the relevant field of paediatric radiology. This evaluation will thus assess the extent of knowledge of paediatric anatomy, congenital anomalies, normal variants and disease entities as manifest in the respective imaging modalities.

    At the end of the fellowship there will be a written examination with questions set by faculty members and external examiners. The exam will be 2 hours duration, with questions based on all aspects of current clinical paediatric radiology practice. This will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the learner's systematic knowledge base in the theories, clinical practice and research methods relevant to the discipline of Paediatric Radiology, as well as the learner's ability to communicate such knowledge Monitoring procedures.

    Monitoring procedures:

    Student:

    The progress of the student will be monitored by reports of the clinical consultant responsible for each specific module, results of spot-film evaluations at the end of each module, and by the quality of case reports submitted.

    One-on-one consultant supervision and mentorship affords optimal opportunity to assess the progress of the student, when taken in conjunction with the formal evaluation of clinical outputs and quality of work at the end of each module.

    Clinical outputs will be assessed on a weekly basis and take the form of a printed report reflecting the number of clinical cases seen by the Fellow. The Fellow will also have a Clinical Logbook detailing specific cases seen and procedures performed in each module.

    The weekly multidisciplinary meetings, at which the Fellow will report clinical findings will provide an opportunity to assess communication skills and the accuracy of diagnostic work on a regular basis, based on the feedback from referring clinicians.

    Formal spot-film tests will be conducted at the end of each module and allow evaluation of progress.

    Course and Teaching:

    Feedback at the end of each clinical module will be provided by the Fellow, through completion of a structured evaluation form in which the quality of teaching, course administration and clinical supervision will be rated, together with the usefulness and relevance of each of the one-hour weekly consultant tutorials. General comments and recommendations will also be invited.


    Integrated assessment:

    Formative assessments in the form of duly performed certificates, clinical case presentations and clinical case reports will be combined with one-hour short answer spot-film summative assessments in each module. At the conclusion of the course a final summative written assessment will be conducted, allowing evaluation of extent of knowledge of paediatric anatomy, congenital anomalies, normal variants and disease entities as manifest in the respective imaging modalities and assessment of competence in the practice of the broad spectrum of paediatric imaging. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The program has been bench-marked against paediatric radiology training programs of:
  • The Royal College of Radiologists of the United Kingdom.
  • The Radiology Section of the Union of European Medical Specialists. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The program is designed to complement and expand basic specialist training in diagnostic radiology. The proposed course will therefore articulate with the broad spectrum of such training internationally, including but not limited to the basic specialist training programs of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, the Royal College of Radiologists of the United Kingdom, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, the Radiology Section of the European Union of Medical Specialists, as well as the Master of Medicine Degree (M.Med) in Radiodiagnosis of the Universities of Stellenbosch, Orange Free State and Pretoria. On completion of the Program a learner will have the option of proceeding to a degree by dissertation at Masters or Doctoral level at a University of choice. In the case of the University of Cape Town, this would be a Master in Philosophy (M.Phil) in Radiology by Dissertation (MM021), a Doctor of Medicine (MD)(MD002) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)(MD001). 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • A moderator will be appointed for each of the modules of the Postgraduate Diploma.
  • A moderator will be a diagnostic radiologists in a senior academic position in a health science faculty nationally or internationally, who is recognised as an expert in the imaging modality moderated.
  • Reports of external moderators will be taken into account by the programme convenor and by clinical tutors to ensure that the curriculum and teaching are aligned with the learning outcomes of the programme. At the end of each year, the reports will discussed and the course materials and schedules may be revised to inform the future needs of the programme. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Cape Town 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.