It's becoming apparent that a number of nuclear medicine departments are being involved in new patient pathways, as a result of introducing hybrid imaging technology. Creating a 'practitioner toolkit' enabling the identification of new skills and competencies is essential to future service provision.
There is also a need to include aspects such as research, innovation, mentorship and service improvement within the toolkit as well as being appreciative of the learning requirements of the assistant workforce.
The toolkit could be developed and aimed at the entire nuclear medicine workforce who are involved specifically in hybrid imaging. For example, the assistant workforce (titled 'Assistant Practitioners' in the UK) could develop a range of skills and experiences around delivering an effective clinical service, whether this relates to basic counselling for patients, to undertaking CT based examinations under written protocols and being involved in audits. The practitioner level is an interesting perspective and would in most cases be specific for each clinical environment, however there is again scope for role development in terms of involvement with multidisciplinary teams, creation of imaging protocols, creation of evidence based practice approaches, processing and reporting. The scope for the advanced / consultant practitioner also includes aspects such as influencing new income streams / referral streams for emerging patient pathways, clinical research / trials and beyond.
Undoubtedly there will be competition for 'professional ownership' the relevant skills and knowledge with the hybrid imaging environment and it will be important that nuclear medicine practitioners are not too possessive over traditional roles, but focus on new / emerging roles that will further enhance the profession.
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