Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, Vol 26, Issue 4 278-282, Copyright © 1998 by Society of Nuclear Medicine
The earlier the better: an evaluation of changes to teaching Year 1 nuclear medicine
EJ Adams, E Kilburn-Watt and SF Cowell
School of Medical Radiation Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia.
OBJECTIVE: In 1996 changes were made to the nuclear medicine content and
mode of delivery in the Year 1 degree program at The University of Sydney,
Australia. The aim was to evaluate whether changes made to the program
raised the clinical abilities of students entering their clinical placement
in Year 2. METHODS: Questionnaires to assess the students' perception of
how well Year 1 had prepared them for their clinical Year 2 were
distributed to both the 1995 and 1996 students. The clinical supervisors
also were surveyed to determine if the 1996 students demonstrated any
difference in their understanding and application of nuclear medicine
technology principles. RESULTS: The 1996 students were more positive about
their clinical readiness and the clinical supervisors observed an increased
level of understanding and application by the 1996 students. CONCLUSION:
Changes in the Year 1 curriculum provided students with a higher level of
clinical readiness at the commencement of their Year 2 clinical placement.
