Development of Research Imaging into a ClinicalMolecular Imaging Department

3010 Objectives: Research with imaging as a criterion is difficult to assimilate into clinical workflow of a Molecular Imaging Department lacking a dedicated research imaging center. The Radiology Research Team (RRT) identified a couple of needs regarding research conduct: identification of research specific Nuclear Medicine or PET imaging needs and of research studies into the clinical workflow with minimal disruption. Acknowledging these needs, we created the Radiology Service Request (RSR) form to target critical information needed prior to implementing a study. Methods: The (RSR) Form identifies information needed by the Molecular Imaging Department from investigators and is required for all research imaging studies. It is reviewed by the RRT, then routed to Nuclear Medicine or PET if requested. The RSR is divided into four focal sections that together encompass aspects necessary for imaging implementation. The first section lists department specific information including the Department Name, Principal investigator (PI), name of the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), who completed the form and contact information. The Project Information, identified in the next section, includes estimated start and end dates, IRB number, Study Title per protocol, the project name, study sponsor, anticipated number of participants, cost center and billing information. All information is important for implementation, feasibility and budgeting requirements. The Technical Procedures section identifies study supplies such as radiotracers, procurement and billing. The availability and production timing can have a financial impact on the study. The third section is useful for implementation feasibility, as it defines interpretation requirements, any CRC support needed, and any special requests which help us identify standard-of-care studies versus research studies. Data retention requirements and imaging transfer requests are addressed in the fourth section. These are specific requirements and need to be identified early in the process along with tasks, required resources and accountability. Results: Submission of the RSR form and required documentation to the RRT early in study development allows for identification of resources, training, compliance, budgeting and feasibility issues. The PI can be supported with a focused radiology team, determined by the RRT, to give them feedback early in the process and accurately project resource, protocol, supply and staffing needs outside of routine clinical protocols. This process was successfully implemented at the EXPLORER Molecular Imaging Center (EMIC), allowing a complex array of research imaging studies to be interleaved with routine clinical care. During the first 12-months of research and clinical operation (Sept 2019 - August 2020), 189 research scans were interleaved with over 500 clinical scans, leading to successful research and clinical integration. Conclusion: The RSR form identifies critical information for the Radiology Research Team in the initial developmental phase of a new study or concept. These timing, resource and budgetary requirements are addressed prior to final IRB and budget submission and can help mitigate the need for additional submissions. The information from the form allows for a more efficient and accurate integration of imaging into a Molecular Imaging Department workflow.This approach allowed the department to create and identify tasks for proper accountability, to mitigate workflow disruption, and maximize resources and time efficiently.