Module information
Details
- Title
- Imaging and Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-NM-S4-2
- Credits
- 10
- 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
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1 |
Competency
Investigate the impact of varying planar, static and dynamic gamma camera image acquisition parameters |
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1 |
Competency
Investigate the impact of varying SPECT and PET image acquisition parameters |
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 2 |
Competency
Develop and evaluate CT imaging protocols appropriate to the clinical requirements within hybrid imaging |
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1 |
Competency
Develop and evaluate SPECT and/or PET reconstruction protocols |
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Perform and evaluate an image registration task |
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Perform basic image analysis |
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Use image analysis software to extract quantitative information from clinical studies |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Prepare a case study following the transfer of electronic metadata, associated with the request, performance and archiving of images within the department |
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 4 |
Competency
Develop and evaluate clinical SOPs for the acquisition, processing and analysis of clinical data |
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 5 |
Competency
Validate new or existing clinical software |
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. |
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 |
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
- Attend meetings discussing imaging optimisations.
- Observe reporting sessions to appreciate the clinical interpretation of images.