Table 1.

Examples of service changes and examples of where MPE support is required for these

Service change example	MPE support required
Implementing a new protocol for an existing technique	Optimisation and update of imaging protocols as new guidance is published
New procedure/Carrying out a procedure that is performed very infrequently	The procedure could be classed as non-established and will need additional MPE support to re-establish including review of protocol and facilities
Establishing a new therapy service	More complex therapies, e.g. lutetium-177, require more physics support particularly in the initial stages. MPE will establish radiation risk assessments, procedures and protocols, consider dosimetry requirements, calibrate equipment, etc
Relocating a nuclear medicine department to another site	Substantial amount of MPE support is required to bring new or transferred equipment into clinical use and establish procedures.
Introduction of new technology	An example of this would be the introduction of new hardware and imaging technologies, such as upgrading to solid state or SPECT-CT systems, or new software processing techniques to be implemented. MPE will be involved in optimisation, training and development of procedures.