Guidelines for Imaging Research at Cleveland Clinic
The guidelines outlined below were designed to provide a uniform methodology for allocating imaging resources for research purposes. The underlying principles of these guidelines are to promote imaging research throughout Cleveland Clinic, encourage the development of funded research projects utilizing imaging, to institute accountability for the utilization of research resources, and to ensure the safe and optimal performance of experiments on imaging equipment.
The guidelines are as follows:
1. Access and Utilization of Imaging Resources
All imaging research studies must be entered into the appropriate Cleveland Clinic research systems prior to initiation of the study (GAMS, CTMS, CROP). Budgetary information is available via the CTMS and CROP systems. For questions or assistance with budgetary issue please contact Katie Murphy, administrator for the section of imaging sciences. Programs are available for obtaining pilot data free of charge. Please refer to the pilot data web page. All studies must have IRB or ARC approval prior to the first imaging studies being performed. Priority for research utilization of imaging of equipment will be based on availability and project funding.
2. Operation of the Equipment During Research Procedures
All imaging examinations done for research purposes will be performed by either a research technologist or a qualified member of the Imaging Institute. This guideline is to ensure the safety of research subjects and proper use of the imaging facilities.
3. Imaging Institute Collaborator
All proposed imaging research projects which are performing non-standard of care imaging must have at least one co-investigator/consultant from the Imaging Institute. This to ensure the safety of research subjects as well as the proper use of imaging equipment. The Imaging Institute co-investigators/consultants role may be limited, ensuring the safety appropriate use of the imaging equipment, aiding in the initial selection of appropriate sequences/imaging protocols, etc. However, if a substantial time commitment is required of the Imaging Institute co-investigator, appropriate considerations for funding the necessary percent effort as well as academic recognition for presentations and publications should be made by the principal investigator.
4. Defined, Written Imaging Protocol
All research examinations must have a written imaging protocol which is available to the research technologist or member of the Imaging Institute performing the examination prior to the beginning of imaging. This guideline insures timely and efficient use of the imaging equipment and serves as a reference for all exams performed. This is very useful during the future analysis of data sets as well as the publication of results.