1. Summers B, Ekosse T Background Research Topics Objectives
The Radiopharmacy option of the MSc(Med)(Pharmacy) degree at Medunsa Campus, University of Limpopo
Summers B, Ekosse T
Dept of Pharmacy, Medunsa Campus, University of Limpopo
Medunsa Campus
Background
Research Topics
Radiopharmacy is a recognised specialisation with the SA Pharmacy Council (SAPC). It is classified as a scarce skill in South Africa. There are only two SAPC – registered radiopharmacists in the country. In 2008, the Department of Pharmacy at Medunsa Campus was approached by colleagues in the Department of Nuclear Medicine to help address the shortage of radiopharmacists by introducing radiopharmacy at postgraduate level. An MSc (Med) (Pharmacy) degree by coursework and minor dissertation has been in existence at Medunsa since the early-1990s. This presentation describes the MSc (Med) (Pharmacy) Radiopharmacy option.
Misa Qatyana
Quality assurance of Radiopharmacies in selected South African tertiary academic hospitals.(Co-supervisor J le Roux). GRADUATED 2011
Amanda Mdlophane
Imaging with Tc-99m Metronidazole – prognostic impact of cervical cancer. (Co-supervisor Prof M Sathekge) GRADUATED 2012
Collen Mtshali
Formulation of a single step kit for labelling IgG with Tc-99m. (Co-supervisor Dr O Knoesen NTP/NECSA) ( current)
Timothy Ekosse
The use of phenobarbitone as an adjunct in the diagnosis of neonatal conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia with Tc-99m DISIDA in neonates at Dr George Mukhari Hospital (co-supervisor Dr O Ramafi) ( current)
Jean-Jacques Kanga
The implementation of improved quality assurance procedures for radiochemical purity of radiopharmaceuticals at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Dr George Mukhari Hospital (co-supervisor J le Roux) ( current)
Myelani Maringa
The implementation of an aseptic service for radiolabelling of autologous blood cells at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Dr George Mukhari Hospital (co-supervisor Dr O Ramafi) ( current)
Rendani Tshitake
Waste management of radiopharmaceuticals in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Medunsa Campus/Dr George Mukhari Hospital (co-supervisor J le Roux) (2011- current)
Samantha Du Plessis
I-131 MIBG stability. (2012-current)
Shirley Teffu
Factors which affect the “stress test” scan quality in Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Dr George Mukhari Hospital (co-supervisor Dr A Gutta) (2012-current)
Objectives
Learning Activities
To produce qualified radiopharmacists in accordance to the SA Pharmacy Council document Specialities for Pharmacists (October 2009), which states a Radiopharmacist will:
1. Perform acts and services specially pertaining to the profession of a pharmacist as prescribed in the scope of practice of a pharmacist as published in the regulations relating to the practice of pharmacy.
2. Take a leading pharmaceutical role in protocol and guideline development in nuclear medicine.
3. Act as a leading pharmaceutical partner within a multi professional health care team in nuclear medicine.
4. Develop, implement, evaluate and provide strategic leadership for radiopharmacy services.
5. Appraise information, make informed decisions regarding supply and use of radiopharmaceuticals with the evidence available and be able to justify/defend the decisions
6. Develop policies and procedures specifically for the specialty area.
7. Develop a quality and an evaluative culture within pharmaceutical services.
8. Perform pharmaceutical risk management
9. Provide education and training related to radiopharmacy.
RESEARCH
Research Methodology (REME 801) 1 week course
Research Project on any aspect of Radiopharmacy
CLINICAL MODULES
Pharmaceutical Care, Clinical Lab tests, Pharmacokinetics, Case studies
MEDICAL PHYSICS
Medical Physics for MMed Nuclear Medicine (MEPH 701) - 30 weekly lectures. Assessment: 3 tests, 1 examination
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
Nuclear Medicine Selective for MBChB (SELE 401)
22 weekly lectures with additional lectures for the MSc group (covering the following topics: CNS, Cardiac, endocrine, hepatobiliary, infections & inflammation, oncology, renal, skeletal, pulmonary and therapy) - 2 presentations, 1 test, submission of case studies.
RADIOPHARMACOLOGY/ RADIOPHARMACEUTICS
Problem-based tutorial series (25 x 2) hours with Assignments
PRACTICE OF RADIOPHARMACY
Radiation Safety Workers’ Course (NECSA). Pelindaba
Industrial Hot Laboratory training NTP Radioisotopes (Pty) Ltd
Clinical Hot Laboratory operations. Dr George Mukhari Hospital and/or Steve Biko Academic Hospital
Aseptic admixing and radiolabelling of blood cell and leucocyte labeling. NTP Radioisotopes (Pty) Ltd
Cyclotron operation. NTP Radioisotopes (Pty) Ltd (PLANNED)
Clinical cases - Nuclear Medicine Department, Dr George Mukhari and/or Steve Biko Academic Hospitals
Conclusion
This course attempts to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills in Radiopharmacy, on which students can build in order to register as Specialist Radiopharmacists. Such registration with the SAPC requires an appropriate postgraduate degree plus two years’ experience in a specialist radiopharmacy setting.
The most recent survey (NTeMBI 2012) indicates a shortfall of 25 radiopharmacists in SA. That number makes no allowance for growth of nuclear medicine in public or private sector or in industry in South Africa, let alone the rest of Africa. Hence the postgraduate degree described here attempts to begin to address the shortage of radiopharmacists in the region
Method
Results
The degree option was developed in conjunction with the Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Physics and with input from Specialist Radiopharmacists in the country. In addition, advice was sought from colleagues at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and information from the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) was also sourced.
The course is based on the SAPC’s Specialities for Pharmacists (October 2009). Most students take the course as part of a two-year pharmacy academic internship, though in 2012 one student (who works in a radiopharmacy full time) is undergoing the course on a part-time basis. To date, two students have graduated from the course. Seven other current students are due to graduate between 2012 and 2014
Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the valued collaboration to date of the Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Physics, NTP Radioisotopes (Pty) Ltd. Axim (Pty) Ltd and PetLabs are thanked in anticipation of their willingness to pursue future collaboration.
IAEA for providing the opportunities for Dr Summers to attend various training courses.