An international survey on hybrid imaging: do technology advances preempt our training and education efforts?

Abstract

BackgroundHybrid PET/CT and PET/MRI are increasingly important technologies in the evaluation of malignancy and require cooperation between radiologists and specialists in molecular imaging. The aim of our study was to probe the mindsets of radiological and nuclear medicine professionals in regard to current hybrid imaging practice and to assess relevant training aspirations and perceived shortfalls, particularly amongst young professionals. In this context, we initiated an international survey on “Hybrid Imaging Training”.MethodsAn online survey was prepared on-line and launched on October-2, 2016. It was composed of 17 multiple-choice and open questions regarding the professional background, a perspective on hybrid imaging training efforts and lessons to be learned from disparate craft groups. The survey ran for 2 weeks. We report total responses per category and individual free-text responses.ResultsIn total, 248 responses were collected with a mean age of all responders of (41 ± 11) y. Overall, 36% were within the target age range of (20–35) y. Across all responders, the majority (72%) commented on there being too few hybrid imaging experts in their country, whereas only 1% said that there were too many. Three quarters of the responders were in favour of a curriculum allowing sub-specialisation in hybrid imaging. With respect to reporting of hybrid imaging, confidence increased with age. The average rating across all responders on the level of cooperation among the two specialties suggested a low overall level of satisfaction. However, the survey feedback indicated the local (on-site) cooperation being somewhat better than the perceived cooperation between the relevant associations on a European level.ConclusionWe consider these results to represent an appropriate cross-section of professional opinions of imaging experts across different demographic and hierarchical levels. Collectively they provide evidence supporting a need to address current shortfalls in developing hybrid imaging expertise through national educational plans, and, thus, contribute to helping improve patient care.

An International Survey on Clinical Reporting of PET/CT Examinations: A Starting Point for Cross-Specialty Engagement

“…Our survey had similar findings regarding hybrid imaging. However, hybrid imaging faces many practical and political challenges, since it is driven largely by both nuclear medicine specialists and radiology specialists, whose daily practices and specialty curricula usually do not align well (14). Until these issues are resolved, other professional recommendations by renowned experts may-at least at the local level-be useful on training and reporting practices (26,30,31).…”

“…Hybrid imaging modalities, such as PET/CT, stand out from the range of typical radiologic or nuclear medicine imaging examinations. Despite their potential to use synergistic and complementary diagnostic information, existing ownership and training schemes affect the performance of such investigations (14). In light of a growing base of hybrid imaging systems and the potential to increase diagnostic accuracy from combined, ''anatometabolic'' imaging (15), we intended to probe the current status of PET/CT reporting with regard to oncology patient management.…”

Competencies and training of radiographers and technologists for PET/MR imaging - a study from the UK MR-PET network

“…The challenges of competencies and training in PET/MRI were also investigated amongst radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. In a study from 2018, Beyer et al (2018) analysed data from an international survey and found that the PET/MRI field was still developing and there were as yet no perfect combinations for training. The authors found that there was a drive for physicians to collaborate and learn from each other and maintain an up-to-date training record.…”

“…The first commercially available wholebody PET-MRI systems were installed in 2010 by Philips as two separated systems: a PET and MRI with the patient table moving between the two (Fendler et al, 2016). A year later, Siemens gained approval for the first simultaneous whole-body PET/MRI system (Beyer et al, 2018). By August 2017, there were about 130 systems installed worldwide including the newly Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)-approved general electric (GE) TOF (time of flight) PET/MRI (Beyer et al, 2018).…”

“…A year later, Siemens gained approval for the first simultaneous whole-body PET/MRI system (Beyer et al, 2018). By August 2017, there were about 130 systems installed worldwide including the newly Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)-approved general electric (GE) TOF (time of flight) PET/MRI (Beyer et al, 2018). According to the European Society for Hybrid, Molecular and Translational Imaging (ESHIMT)'s website, at the time of writing (September 2019), there are 62 systems installed in Europe alone (European Society for Hybrid Molecular and Translational Imaging, n.d.).…”