Fusion Imaging: Presenting New Educational Challenges

Bettye G. Wilson, M.A. Ed., RT(R)(CT), RDMS

Birmingham, Alabama

For copies of this presentation go to:

http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=37659

For other correspondence:

wilsonbg@uab.edu

Con-Fusion Imaging

Fusion Imaging from the Technologists’ Perspective

Just what is fusion imaging ? What type of technologists are currently

involved in the performance of fusion imaging procedures ?

What are the educational needs of technologists performing fusion imaging procedures ?

Fusion: “The union of different things by, or as if by, melting……”

Imaging: “Making a representation or imitation of an object.

Fusion Imaging: Melting together images from different modalities to create a new (hybrid) image.

Remember; Fusion Imaging, combines more than the imaging modalities. It also combines the technical expertise of the differing technologies, therefore it also creates combination (Hybrid) technologists.

It is possible to fuse images from almost any imaging

modality

Currently, the most discussed fusion imaging technique is

PET/CT

Positron Emission Tomography Image of the Chest

Computed Tomography Image of the Chest

Fused Image (PET/CT) of the Chest

Research Equals Knowledge

Where is PET/CT being performed Who’s performing PET/CT What education/skills are required

Some PET/CT Procedures are being performed in Nuclear Medicine Departments by Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Some PET/CT Procedures are being performed in CT

Departments by CT Technologists

Other facilities have created stand-alone PET/CT Departments

staffed by CT and Nuclear Medicine Technologists, only

Nuclear Medicine Technologists, or only CT Technologists

In some cases, nurses are also employed, to administer I.V.

Contrast Media, and/or Radiopharmaceuticals

Confusion Abounds

1.Professional organizations have formed task forces or committees to examine this issue

2.Educators in the Radiologic Sciences have been made increasingly aware of the need to incorporate diverse information into their curricula

3.Imaging Technologists are again facing the educational demands of uncharted territory

Gaining Consensus

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section (SNMTS)

PET/CT Consensus Conference Statements

Statement No. 1

Personnel Qualified to Operate PET/CT

Equipment

Statement No. 2

Regulation of Personnel Who Operate PET/CT Equipment

Consensus Statement Number 1

“Any registered radiographer with the credentials R.T. ( R ), registered radiation therapist with the credentials R.T. ( T ), or a registered nuclear medicine technologist with the credentials R.T. ( N ) or CNMT may operate PET-CT equipment after obtaining appropriate additional education or training and demonstrated competency.”

The Ideal Pet-CT Technologist ?

Joanne Doe, R.T. ( R ) ( N ) ( T ) ( CT )

Or

Joanne Doe, R.T. ( R ) ( T ) ( CT ), CNMT

What are the Commonalities ?

All are Radiologic Sciences Professionals All have completed educational programs

specific to their disciplines All are Certified and Registered

Technologists

What are the real Differences ?

Do not necessarily have the same basic knowledge

Come from diverse educational backgrounds

Practice generally specific to discipline May not be as cognizant of other imaging

modalities as required May believe profession other than own,

“piece of cake”

Educational Needs of PET/CT Technologists

Patient Care, Education, and Management

Radiation Physics Radiation Biology and

Protection Cross-Sectional

Anatomy CT Knowledge

Nuclear Medicine Knowledge (PET)

Radiopharmaceuticals Contrast Media PET/CT Equipment

Operation, Maintenance, and Instrumentation

So what is the answer to the educational challenges presented by fusion imaging technology ??????

Short Term = Applications Training for technologists performing

PET/CT and continuing education courses designed to educate practitioners

Long Term = Fusion of discipline specific courses to provide an

essential “core” of courses for allstudents

Still Con-FUSED ????While the educational challenges created by fusion

imaging technology are rather daunting, collaborative efforts between educators and

professional organizations, with input from the diverse constituency, will lead to solutions

For copies of this presentation go to:

http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=37659

For other correspondence:

wilsonbg@uab.edu