Module information
Module details
- Title
- Imaging and Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-NM-S4
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 3
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module aims to provide trainees with an understanding and opportunity to apply the scientific and technical principles underpinning imaging and diagnostic nuclear medicine.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Investigate the impact of varying planar, static and dynamic gamma camera image acquisition parameters |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Investigate the impact of varying SPECT and PET image acquisition parameters |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Develop and evaluate CT imaging protocols appropriate to the clinical requirements within hybrid imaging |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Develop and evaluate SPECT and/or PET reconstruction protocols |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 3 |
Training activities
Perform and evaluate an image registration task |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 3 |
Training activities
Perform basic image analysis |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 3 |
Training activities
Use image analysis software to extract quantitative information from clinical studies |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 3 |
Training activities
Prepare a case study following the transfer of electronic metadata, associated with the request, performance and archiving of images within the department |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 4 |
Training activities
Develop and evaluate clinical SOPs for the acquisition, processing and analysis of clinical data |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 5 |
Training activities
Validate new or existing clinical software |
Type DTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Register anatomical and functional images to allow clinical assessment.
- Create a reconstruction workflow using manufacturers software.
- Process clinical image data to produce quantitative measurements of physiology.
- Perform an assessment of image quality.
- Process a renogram and record the results according to local protocols.
- Anonymise and export clinical data.
Observed Clinical Event Titles
- Explain the impact of changing reconstruction parameters to a clinical colleague.
- Explain a new system of work to colleagues.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select and advise on the technical parameters used to acquire, process or reconstruct clinical nuclear medicine image data. |
| 2 | Select and advise on the technical parameters used to acquire and reconstruct clinical CT data as part of hybrid imaging investigations. |
| 3 | Use appropriate software to extract quantitative and qualitative information from nuclear medicine images and combine images from different modalities. |
| 4 | Appraise parameters for creating a clinical imaging procedure. |
| 5 | Develop, validate and verify software applications. |
Clinical experiences
Clinical experiences help you to develop insight into your practice and a greater understanding of your specialty's impact on patient care. Clinical experiences should be included in your training plan and you may be asked to help organise your experiences. Reflections and observations from your experiences may help you to advance your practice and can be used to develop evidence to demonstrate your awareness and appreciation of your specialty.
Activities
- Attend meetings discussing imaging optimisations.
- Observe reporting sessions to appreciate the clinical interpretation of images.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Discuss image quality and patient dose optimisation in CT.
- Defend SPECT and PET image acquisition and reconstruction techniques.
- Apply integrative knowledge of tracer kinetic principles and identify sources of error.
- Critically evaluate quantification techniques in imaging and non-imaging clinical applications.
Indicative content
| CT | CT acquisition parameters, reconstruction algorithms, CT image quality and dose modulation affecting patient dose |
| SPECT-CT
|
SPECT imaging acquisition parameters and image quality |
| Reconstruction | Reconstruction techniques, filtered back projection, iterative reconstruction methods, convergence, attenuation correction, scatter correction and resolution recovery |
| PET | PET imaging acquisition parameters, effect on image quality and limits of resolution |
| Clinical | Patient indications for which SPECT-CT and PET is recommended |
| Tracer kinetics | Ideal tracer, compartmental analysis, dilution principle, pharmacokinetics, use as physiological markers, radiopharmaceutical uptake and clearance mechanisms, effective half-life and use of radiopharmaceuticals for quantification in non-imaging studies |
| Quantification | Imaging, SUV, calibration, non-imaging, blood volume studies GFR |