Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Using the ACNP Proficiency Testing Program to develop critical thinking. American College of Nuclear Physicians
1State University of New York at Buffalo, Nuclear Medicine Dept. 14214, USA.
Unlabelled:
Critical thinking is cited as one of the essential skills for clinical practice. Educators need to be aware of barriers that may hinder the development of this skill in students and cultivate strategies to encourage it. This article describes one strategy to develop critical thinking.
Methods:
Students participated in a critical thinking exercise by imaging the American College of Nuclear Physicians (ACNP) Renal Imaging Proficiency Test Phantom, critiquing their results, and comparing their results to results collected nationally in other nuclear medicine facilities and the true values reported by the ACNP. Students were instructed to review pertinent imaging principles before discussing the imaging results. They also were supplied with a list of questions pertinent to the review.
Results:
Students experienced the complexity of designing a SPECT imaging protocol and how the final results are affected by the choices made by the technologist. They learned the importance of and method for proper matrix selection, determination of pixel size and the necessity for quality control.
Conclusion:
The imaging exercise was a successful means of helping students connect clinical practice with theory through the use of critical thinking.
Related Concept Videos
National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...
Patient-centered Care
Critical Thinking I
Critical Thinking II
Fundamentals of Nursing Process I
Critical Thinking
Colleges and universities are...

