Nuclear medicine leader says patient-first imaging providers must keep close eye on quality
The leader of an influential nuclear medicine group is calling on imaging providers to maintain quality standards and prioritize a patient-first approach to the profession.
Randall C. Thompson, MD, president of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, issued a call to action in an editorial published Monday by the organization’s Journal of Nuclear Cardiology. He noted it’s easy to believe in putting patients first, but practicing optimal quality, including up-to-date protocols and equipment, requires real-world changes.
Nuclear cardiology providers must keep up with the latest education and training, Thompson noted, while also lobbying administrators to invest in imaging equipment needed for optimal testing.
“These efforts are essential if nuclear cardiology is to successfully compete with other diagnostic modalities,” Thompson added in his president’s message. “Thus, in this sense, it is good for business. Most importantly, it is good for patients and the right thing to do.”
The ASNC chief underscored the importance of performing SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging using as low as reasonably achievable radiation dosing. Additionally, Thompson pointed to the importance of performing more stress-first MPI imaging, which requires less radiation and enhances social distancing. He noted such exams currently comprise only 7% of cases in North America.
Other often-overlooked imaging improvements include keeping equipment up to date and using two-position imaging protocols, attenuation correction and advanced post-processing techniques.
ASNC said It will be releasing education programs and guidance documents in the near future to help providers reach these goals.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.