Hybrid imaging in nuclear medicine: Creating a patient-centric approach to service delivery

Health professionals across the world now work within an environment of flux and uncertainty, which inevitably presents new challenges for the workforce, in terms of developing new skills and knowledge. This, when coupled with the need to provide high quality care, which enhances the individual patient experience, has resulted in a revolutionary change to the traditional role of the health professional. The introduction of any new hybrid imaging system may require appropriate staff training, considerations for service redesign and patient workflow dynamics, as part of the change process

The Imaging Probe Development Center and the Production of Molecular Imaging Probes

The Imaging Probe Development Center (IPDC), part of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research Initiative (http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/) recently became fully operational at its newly refurbished laboratories in Rockville, MD. The IPDC (http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/molecularlibraries/ipdc/) is dedicated to the production of known and novel molecular imaging probes, with its services currently being used by the NIH intramural community, although in the future it is intended that the extramural community will also benefit from the IPDC’s resources. The Center has been set up with the belief that molecular imaging, and the probe chemistry that underpins it, will constitute key technologies going forward. As part of the larger molecular libraries and imaging initiative, it is planned that the IPDC will work closely with scientists from the molecular libraries effort. Probes produced at the IPDC include optical, radionuclide and magnetic resonance agents and may encompass any type of contrast agent. As IPDC is a trans-NIH resource it can serve each of the 27 Institutes and Centers that comprise NIH so its influence can be expected to impact widely different subjects and disease conditions spanning biological research. IPDC is expected to play a key part in interdisciplinary collaborative imaging projects and to support translational R&D from basic research through clinical development, for all of the imaging modalities. Examples of probes already prepared or under preparation are outlined to illustrate the breadth of the chemistries undertaken together with a reference outline of the diverse biological applications for which the various probes are intended

How and why do South Asians attend GUM clinics? Evidence from contrasting GUM clinics across England

Background: Improving access to sexual healthcare is a priority in the UK, especially for ethnic minorities. Though South Asians in the UK report low levels of sexual ill health, few data exist regarding their use of genitourinary medicine (GUM) services. Objectives: To describe reasons for attendance at GUM clinics among individuals of South Asian origin relative to patients of other ethnicities. Methods: 4600 new attendees (5% South Asian; n=226) at seven sociodemographically and geographically contrasting GUM clinics across England completed a questionnaire between October 2004 and March 2005, which were linked to routine clinical data. Results: South Asians were more likely than other groups to be signposted to the GUM clinic by another health service-for example, in women 14% versus 8% respectively (p=0.005) reported doing so from a family planning clinic. These women also reported that they would be less likely to go to the clinic if their symptoms resolved spontaneously compared with other women (51% vs 31%, p=0.024). However, relative to other clinic attendees, no differences in the proportions of South Asians who had acute STI(s) diagnosed at clinic were noted. Furthermore, South Asian men were more likely to report as their reason for attendance that they wanted an HIV test (23.4% vs 14.8%, p=0.005). Conclusion: Despite having similar STI care needs to attendees from other ethnic groups, South Asians, especially women, may be reluctant to seek care from GUM clinics, especially if their symptoms resolve. Sexual health services need to develop locally-delivered and culturally-appropriate initiatives to improve care pathways

Early Warning Signs Of Communication Failure In Is Projects: A Case Study

This paper seeks to apply a previously published framework of commonly identified Early Warning Signs (EWS) of project failure through an empirical study of an active IS project. The case study is observed from the stakeholders’ perspective; focussing on their interaction with the project and the development team. The occurrence of any EWS is catalogued with an explanation of the causes, effects and a description of any action taken. The observations are also taken pre-procurement to identify any EWS which occur before the development team commence work. The EWS, derived from a survey of the literature, are evaluated in a real-world setting leading to an extension of the EWS framework. This paper focuses on those EWS which have been categorised as Communication EWS. Through the analysis and extension of the framework we provide a greater understanding of the “communication” concept in IS projects

Evolving a Facilitation Process towards Student Centred Learning: A Case Study in Computing

This paper discusses our experiences in moving to student centred learning. It describes the action research approach and the context for the module at Masters level in systems analysis and design. It discusses the learning materials provided as an alternative to lectures, including a book, a set of videos, courseware and a web site. The initial teaching approach dictated a pace to the students. This evolved towards students working through the material at their own pace. As the teaching approach reached a steady state, there was a discernible improvement in students\u27 minimum marks and pass rates. Student feedback by questionnaire is analysed, concentrating on the learning materials, the teaching approach and the advantages and disadvantages. In general, students preferred the teaching approach, particularly the autonomy it provided them. Staff reflections and lessons learnt are also considered. In general, staff recognised that their time with students was more productive and that students became more self-reliant. Conclusions are drawn and general issues that emerged from the work identified

A2_8 A portable railgun

In a previous paper we outlined a method for simulating a railgun - a gun based on the principles of electromagnetism. In this paper we assess the possibility of using these same principles to build a smaller, portable weapon akin to a bolt action, high velocity rifle. We find that the concept could theoretically be built but that further research into materials and construction is necessary

Developing guidance for the appropriate use of Computed Tomography within a hybrid imaging environment

The introduction of Computed Tomography (CT) within the nuclear medicine environment over the last decade has led to a dramatic increase in the number of hybrid imaging installations within the United Kingdom. Modern multislice Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT units now have the diagnostic capability to provide a high level of anatomical information and have redefined the physical environment required for this imaging modality. This alongside current financial pressures impacting on the NHS has begun to challenge traditional working practices and an increased emphasis is now being placed on the healthcare practitioner to provide high quality care, demonstrate greater clinical effectiveness, improve safe working practices and to continuously adapt their skills to meet with the changing needs of the patient. Initial research conducted by the authors in collaboration with existing clinical nuclear medicine practitioners has indicated variation in the optimal use of CT within a hybrid-imaging environment. It is a concern that this apparent position within the hybrid imaging community does not appear to be conducive with current government initiatives related to optimal service provision. These inconsistencies would therefore appear to highlight the need for the development of a competency based framework that would provide the practitioner with the opportunity to develop their own working practices and help promote the harmonised use of CT within the hybrid imaging environment