MRI —
Training activity: 18

Details

Critically appraise a hybrid MRI modality with particular emphasis on its use in the patient pathway and the role of the MRI physicist

Type

Developmental training activity (DTA)

Evidence requirements

Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.

Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.

An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.

Considerations

• Role in the patient pathway
• Safety considerations
• Training
• Scanner siting, specific requirements
• Costs
• Benefits and limitations of modality combinations

Reflective practice guidance

The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.

Before action

• Are there specific hybrid MRI modalities (e.g., PET-MR, MR-CT) you should focus on?
• What do you need to know before embarking on the activity?
• What are the different types of hybrid MRI modalities and their technical principles? How are these modalities integrated into clinical workflows? What is the role of the MRI physicist in their implementation and use?
• Consider the specific insights you hope to gain from engaging with the activity. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid MRI modalities compared to stand-alone MRI or other imaging techniques? How do they impact the patient pathway?
• What specific expertise does an MRI physicist bring to the use of these systems?
• Think about what you already know about the task / activity. Are you aware of any hybrid MRI systems currently in clinical or research use?
• Discuss the training activity with your training officer to gain clarity of understanding. Which hybrid MRI modality should you focus on?
• What aspects of its use in the patient pathway and the MRI physicist’s role should you emphasise in your appraisal?
• Consider possible challenges you might face during the activity, and think about how you might handle them. How will you gather information on a specific hybrid modality and its clinical applications? How will you critically evaluate its benefits and limitations? How will you define the specific contributions of an MRI physicist in this context?
• Identify how you feel about embarking on this training activity. Are you interested in the future directions of medical imaging technology? What are your initial thoughts on the potential of hybrid MRI?

In action

• Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the critical appraisal of the hybrid MRI modality?
  • What aspects are you focusing on (e.g., technology, clinical applications, workflow)?
  • What decisions are you making as you evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, and potential impact of the hybrid modality on the patient pathway and the responsibilities of the MRI physicist?
  • What aspects of hybrid imaging feel intuitive based on your knowledge of standalone MRI?
  • What requires more research into the integrated technology and its specific implications?
• How effective are your actions in conducting a thorough and critical appraisal of the hybrid modality?
  • What challenges are you facing during your appraisal (e.g., accessing comprehensive information, understanding the complexities of the integrated system)?
  • What can you learn about the emerging role of hybrid MRI in clinical practice and the evolving responsibilities of the MRI physicist?
  • How does this activity connect to your understanding of different imaging modalities, patient care pathways, and the professional role of a Clinical Scientist?
• Are there alternative hybrid MRI modalities or perspectives on their role that you should be considering in your appraisal?
  • What support or guidance might you need in this moment, such as literature on hybrid imaging or insights from professionals working with these systems?
  • Are you ensuring your appraisal is balanced and addresses the key aspects of its use in the patient pathway and the MRI physicist’s role?

On action

• What were the key features and capabilities of the hybrid MRI modality you appraised (e.g., PET-MRI, MR-CT)?
  • How is this hybrid modality integrated into the patient pathway for specific clinical applications?
  • What is the specific role and responsibilities of the MRI physicist in the implementation and use of this hybrid modality?
• What did you learn about the potential benefits and challenges of using hybrid MRI modalities in clinical practice?
  • Did you gain a better understanding of the complementary information provided by the combined imaging techniques?
  • What did you learn about the specific expertise and involvement of an MRI physicist in ensuring the safe and effective use of such advanced systems?
• How will this knowledge inform your understanding of the future of medical imaging and the role of hybrid modalities?
  • What specific aspects of hybrid MRI technology and applications will you research further?
  • How might you collaborate with other professionals in the implementation and development of hybrid imaging services?

Beyond action

• Have you since gained further knowledge or experience with the specific hybrid MRI modality you appraised or with other hybrid imaging systems (e.g., PET-MR, MR-linac)?
• Have you observed or discussed the clinical workflow, advantages, and challenges of using hybrid imaging in specific patient pathways within your institution or in published literature?
• Have you considered how the role and responsibilities of the MRI physicist might evolve in departments with hybrid imaging capabilities?
• How has this activity enhanced your understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of hybrid MRI modalities in clinical practice?
• Has this experience improved your ability to critically evaluate the evidence supporting the use of hybrid imaging and its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare resources?
• How has the learning from this training activity influenced your perspective on the future direction of medical imaging and the integration of different modalities?
• How will your understanding of hybrid MRI support your involvement in potential future acquisitions or implementation of such systems within your institution?
• What clear actions for continued development in your knowledge of the physics, clinical applications, or safety considerations of specific hybrid modalities have you identified?
• How might this experience contribute to your ability to participate in service planning or the development of new clinical pathways that incorporate hybrid imaging techniques?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 10	Outcome Appraise the key issues of an emerging technique/technology and a hybrid modality.