Medical Physics 3.0 and Its Relevance to Radiology
Abstract
Medical Physics 3.0 is a grassroots movement within the medical physics community to re-envision a new commitment and engagement of physics in the care process. In this model, a physicist, present in either the clinic or the laboratory, is to practice physics for the direct benefit of the patient, either immediately in the clinical setting or eventually through research. As a demonstration of this shift of focus, this article offers a framework by which medical physics can better serve the rigor and quality of radiological practice. This is accomplished through (1) patient-centered metrics of imaging dose and quality that are generalizable across and relatable to varying tasks; (2) prospectively prescribing protocols and dose based on needed quality; and (3) retrospectively monitoring and targeting dose and quality across practice. The article also suggests a model for this opportunity in which the current "consultant" physicist is vested with the responsibility to fully contribute his or her essential expertise in the care of individual patients.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
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