The practice of nuclear medicine in the Philippines and its implications to the radiologic technology services and radiologic technology education

Date of Completion

1991

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology

Keywords

Technology, Radiologic, Nuclear Medicine

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of the practice of nuclear medicine in the Philippines and its implications to the radiologic services and radiologic technology education . This study obtained information on nuclear medicine services from seven general hospitals namely: UP-Philippine General Hospital, Medical Center Manila, St. Luke's Hospital, Veterans' Memorial Hospital, V. Luna Hospital, Lung Center of the Philippines and Makati Medical Center.It was found out that all seven general hospitals performed clinical activities such as different kinds of scanning. Most of these clinical activities (80% - 100%) were on diagnostic procedures and only some (0% - 20%) on therapeutic procedures. Most radioisotopes used by the seven (7) hospitals were Iodine 131, iodine 125, Trio-Iodo Thyromine, Thyromine, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, and Technitium 99. All seven (7) general hospitals held similar position categories such as Senior Medical Technologists, Nuclear Physicians, Medial Specialists, Nuclear Nurses, Medical researchers (chemists) or Laboratory Technologists, Attendance, Radio Therapeutic Nurses, Pharmacists and Midwives. The educational qualifications required to qualify for nuclear medicine services were (Bachelor of Science in Medical technology (BSMT), RTTC Registry, Graduates of Medicine plus Nuclear Residency, Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) Registered Doctor with special training in Nuclear Medicine and Certified Medical Technologists. There has been no formal course offered to meet these educational requirements for personnel of Nuclear Medicine but seminars were given by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI). Only three (3) of the seven (7) general hospitals indicated adequacy of facilities and equipment to meet the needs in servicing patients treated daily. Problems encountered were mostly on lack of hospital space, lack of qualified personnel, lack of facilities and equipment and lack of isotopes due to their high cost. Admittedly, there was a need for more qualified personnel to man the expanded nuclear medicine units or laboratories. This is to meet the needs of the increasing number of patients, thereby solving some of the existing problems. There is also a need to have the clinical activities integrated with the routine hospital procedures particularly those that can be safely administered outside the laboratory. The following factors were to be considered in preparing patients scheduled to undertake radiation diagnosis and receiving radiation therapy: (1) For accuracy in conducting the examination to avoid repetitions, (2) proper and comfortable positioning of the patient, (3) building up the patients' morale by giving emotional support and (4) protecting self and other/patients from radioactive substances. Since modern medicine utilizes radioactive isotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the radiologic technology educators and heads of the radiologic technology units/services should realize their important role in preparing the future radiologic technology personnel for the new trends in medicine.

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