April 23rd: Role hybridization

In diagnostic imaging, the term ‘‘hybrid imaging’’ describes the fusing of more than one diagnostic imaging tool (e.g. SPECT/CT) to simultaneously provide both anatomic and functional information (Griffiths, 2015). In recent years this has expanded to include therapeutic equipment such as linear accelerators being fused with MRI technology to provide simultaneous treatment and imaging. Combining different types of equipment brings many advantages, but also some questions and uncertainties. Themes: T1. What does role hybridisation mean in radiography, does it differ from role extension? What are some examples? T2. What are the advantages and challenges of cross-disciplinary working? T3. How do we support and promote role hybridisation from an individual, regulatory and professional association perspective? T4. What about education for cross-disciplinary skills in the undergraduate and postgraduate environment? Come and discuss these important questions and more with us! Times: Vancouver 1pm (23rd) , Edmonton 2pm (23rd), Toronto 4pm (23rd), London 9pm (23rd), Sydney & Brisbane 6am (24th), Auckland 8am (24th) Our paper this month is: Eccles C, Campbell M. Keeping Up with the Hybrid Magnetic Resonance Linear Accelerators: How Do Radiation Therapists Stay Current in the Era of Hybrid Technologies? JMIRS, 2019. 50 (2), 195-198 Blog: Check out this month’s blog by diagnostic radiographer Lisa McDaid to read about role hybridisation at the Christie Additional reading: Griffiths, M. Creating the hybrid workforce: challenges and opportunities. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2015; 46: 262–270