Uptake: SNMMI Launches Task Force to Drive Adoption of Emerging Nuclear Medicine Technologies

Derrick Gillan, OHSU Diagnostic Radiology

A new SNMMI-TS Emerging Technologies and Radiopharmaceuticals Task Force has replaced the PET/MRI Task Force. While the PET/MRI Task Force accomplished a great deal, the Technologist Section is broadening its scope to all the incredible technology and radiopharmaceuticals in our pipeline. The primary mission of the new task force is to identify emerging technologies, assess their intersection with nuclear medicine, and engage and educate technologists to promote wider adoption.

Identifying emerging technologies is a complex process, as many undergo significant changes as they evolve. The new task force is beginning its work by developing frameworks for evaluating and selecting which emerging technologies and radiopharmaceuticals to focus on. The goal is to target innovations in the “early adopters” phase of the technology adoption curve. By engaging and educating stakeholders early, the task force can foster discussion and adoption before these technologies reach the “chasm” (also known as the “trough of disillusionment”). Laying the groundwork at this stage can significantly increase traction and extend reach.

The selection process will consider three key factors:

• Education. What is the current level of understanding of this technology? What resources and training are available, and what others are needed? How will it fit within our scope of practice?
• Regulation. How is the technology regulated at the state and federal levels? What credentials are required to handle it (e.g., an MRI license for PET/MRI)?
• Clinical Operations. What is the clinical impact of the technology? What are the risks and benefits of adoption? How about reimbursement?

Once the impact of an emerging technology on the field of nuclear medicine is assessed, the task force can begin to create educational resources. New standards may be developed in collaboration with the SNMMI Committee on Quality and Evidence and Committee on Procedure Standards Committee. Resources such as fact sheets, guides, and micro-learning programs can be developed in collaboration with the SNMMI-TS Advocacy and Educators committees. Reimbursement strategies can be explored in collaboration with the SNMMI Committee on Coding and Reimbursement.

The process of defining selection criteria and methods is ongoing. A significant challenge is scope—more than a hundred new therapeutic compounds are entering trials. Determining which therapies warrant focus requires clear benchmarks. The FDA approval timeline may serve as a key criterion, since developing educational materials for preclinical drugs may be premature.

Additionally, artificial intelligence tools could expedite evaluations and enhance throughput. AI, machine learning, and automation are tools available to us. This task force’s work across SNMMI and with other committees will ensure that we support our members through proper evaluation, adoption, and confirmation of success.

For the remainder of the year, the task force aims to establish a solid foundation for its work in emerging technologies and radiopharmaceuticals. Our goal is to create summaries and educational materials by the time of the Annual Meeting in New Orleans. At the Annual Meeting, we are also planning to host an AI intensive session on Saturday, June 21, in collaboration with the SNMMI AI Task Force. We are excited about the work ahead for the SNMMI-TS Emerging Technologies and Radiopharmaceuticals Task Force and hope to have your support throughout this journey.