On decay chains and bathtubs: Democratising computational modelling for the radiation sciences

Area of Science:

• Radiation Science
• Medical Physics
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Computational modeling enhances understanding of radiotracer pharmacokinetics, internal dosimetry, and decay processes.
• Modeling is often limited to medical physicists, excluding other radiation science professionals.
• System dynamics offers an intuitive approach to computational modeling training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate computational modeling into healthcare professional training using system dynamics.
• To demonstrate the utility of system dynamics with a 99Mo/99mTc radionuclide generator example.
• To assess student performance in modeling complex processes using this approach.

Main Methods:

• Utilized system dynamics and the "bathtub analogy" to model a 99Mo/99mTc radionuclide generator.
• Examined first-year student performance on an examination question involving system dynamics modeling.
• Compared system dynamics outputs with Bateman equations predictions.

Main Results:

• System dynamics generated activity-time curves closely matched Bateman equation predictions.
• Students demonstrated proficiency in modeling transient equilibrium using system dynamics.
• The approach proved accessible to students lacking advanced quantitative training.

Conclusions:

• System dynamics effectively models complex processes like multi-compartment dynamics, tracer kinetics, and radionuclide generators.
• This visual and intuitive method democratizes computational modeling access for radiation science trainees and professionals.
• It provides a valuable tool for learning without requiring differential equations expertise.