Integrating research into a busy Nuclear Medicine clinic: a technologist perspective

3019 Objectives: Participating in research is vital to the advancement of our field and a rewarding part of being a Nuclear Medicine technologist. However, many research studies are complex and unique in their requirements, presenting challenges to the successful integration of research into a standard clinical PET schedule. At our institution, clinical PET use involves a mix of primarily 18F-FDG, as well as 68Ga-DOTATATE, 18F-FACBC and 18F-NaF. In contrast, over 15 novel radiopharmaceuticals are currently used in approximately 20 different PET/CT research protocols. These research protocols have widely varying requirements compared to the clinical studies and are seen less frequently. Research scans are performed by any member of the technologist team during normal operational hours and utilize the clinical scanners (there is no dedicated research scanner); therefore, the design and implementation of a research-specific workflow was required to allow for safe and successful completion of research scans with minimal disruption to the clinical work. Methods: The workflow requires assigning each new research study a unique order set and exam code in the electronic medical record (Epic). The exam code is labeled with the protocol number assigned by the local ethics committee. A technologist worksheet is also created using a standard format and capturing all applicable information needed by the technologist. On the day of the study, the technologist prints out the technologist worksheet from a secure network drive, using the Epic exam code to identify the correct protocol. A copy of the signature page of the informed consent is supplied by the research coordinator or found in the EMR before beginning any study tasks. Before injection of the radiopharmaceutical, a member of the research team is present with the technologist to verify that the correct participant is receiving the correct radiopharmaceutical and dosage. The technologist who injects the radiopharmaceutical then hands the technologist worksheet to the scanning technologists to ensure that the correct scanning protocol and uptake times are followed. Once all scanning and study tasks are completed, the technologist worksheet is scanned to PACS, and the physical copy is filed for future retrieval by the study coordinator. Results: The standard format of the technologist worksheet allows the technologist to quickly find all the information they need and alleviates the uncertainty inherent in following new or unfamiliar protocols, while guaranteeing that the research is executed per protocol. Technologists are trained annually and at the time of hire, with refresher training provided periodically throughout the year. We currently perform approximately 6-8 research studies a week, in addition to the approximately 105 clinical studies performed per week. Conclusions: Having a general research workflow has allowed us to participate in multiple research studies simultaneously and has minimized the need for specific training sessions for each new protocol implemented. With clear workflows and communication, it is possible to successfully integrate research even into a busy clinic.