EMERALD training in medical radiation physics

The last decade has seen great strides towards the emergence of professional training in Medical Physics and Medical Engineering throughout the world. The developments have, however, been patchy and of variable quality. In an attempt to support these initiatives more widely, the Leonardo EU project for European Medical Radiation Learning Development (EMERALD), a Consortium of Universities and Hospitals from the UK, Sweden, Italy and Portugal, has developed three training modules in medical radiation physics (Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy). Each Training Module encompasses the physics and engineering of the topic and consists of a Workbook with tasks, leading to certain competencies (based on the IPEM Training scheme) and a CD-ROM image database (IDB). There are various types of tasks in the Workbooks: They include observing real medical physics activities; understanding the basic characteristics and parameters of equipment; using existing regulations, protocols and software; using various types of measuring equipment; dosimetry in medical radiation physics; performing measurements, collecting results and calculating parameters; assessment (QC) of various types of equipment. The three volumes of training materials and the Course Guide, total some 700 pages. The IDB includes 1300 images of: radiological equipment and its components; block diagrams and performance parameters, graphs, waveforms; QA procedures and measuring equipment; test objects and image quality examples; as well as typical images and artefacts, etc. The EMERALD Training Scheme is aimed at young graduates entering the field and each topic is structured to cover 4 months with the expectation that this core training will be supplemented at each location in which it is used to suit local needs. It was tested and introduced into practice during 1998. The next phase of the project-EMERALD II-which will extend over the next three years, includes additional partners from France, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. Its objectives include the development and dissemination of multimedia training material via the Internet.