Hybrid Imaging Education

Other countries around the world seem to have a really good handle on hybrid imaging education. There is limited provision in the United Kingdom specifically for practitioners working in a hybrid imaging environment.

As part of my professional doctorate, I hope to evaluate the cultural changes brought about by the introduction of new technologies (such as SPECT/CT & PET/CT) and how traditional working relationships are being "shaped". Future workforce considerations are also required, as this is clearly an emerging aspect of clinical practice.

Hybrid Imaging in Nuclear Medicine: Changing times

I've created this blog to connect with other nuclear medicine practitioners and in particular the cultural changes that some departments are facing as a result of the introduction of hybrid imaging equipment. Hybrid imaging equipment in nuclear medicine currently includes SPECT/CT and PET/CT, however other integrated systems are on the horizon, such as PET/MRI.

The evolution of the hybrid imaging system is beginning to herald a new dawn in terms of providing greater diagnostic accuracy, which is undoubtedly beneficial to the patient.  However the role of the practitioner working in such environments is also changing.  This relates to how nuclear medicine practitioners work within a different physical environment, the uniforms they wear (see image below), the use of new 'language' (e.g. CTDi, topogram), emerging relationships with their peers and beyond (e.g. MDTs).