The American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research Foundation has awarded a research grant towards a study with the goal of learning about pediatric patient compliance in the nuclear imaging suite.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research Foundation announced it has awarded a research grant of nearly $6,000 to Donna Lee Mason, M.S., CNMT, RT(N), of Moon Township, Penn. Ms. Mason is an assistant professor of Nuclear Medicine Technology in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Robert Morris University.

The Foundation's Research Grant Award Program assists registered medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals with an award of up to $10,000 to initiate a research project related to the radiologic sciences for completion of a dissertation or in affiliation with an academic or clinical institution.

Ms. Mason's research project, 'Perspectives from Nuclear Medicine Technologists: Should Parents Be Permitted in the Nuclear Medicine Imaging Suite during Procedures?', is a pilot study with the goal of learning about pediatric patient compliance in the nuclear imaging suite. She will investigate pediatric patient compliance from the perspective of nuclear medicine technologists while considering important aspects such as parental emotions, cultural background and the importance of pediatric specialization for nuclear medicine technologists. She hopes to extend the study into additional venues and to develop protocols for parental involvement in the pediatric nuclear imaging process.

 "The ASRT Foundation is very pleased to support Ms. Mason's research,” said Janet S. McEwen, M.A., CAE, director of development and corporate relations. "Nuclear medicine technologists see hundreds of patients each year, and we are happy to fund research that helps advance patient care.”

The ASRT Foundation considers professional research grant proposals twice yearly -- fall and spring. The deadline for fall grant applications is Aug. 15. For more information on the research grant program visit www.asrt.org/ASRT Foundation>Grants and Scholarships or call the Foundation at 800-444-2778, Ext. 2541.