Guidance for the Attribution of the Costs of Research PET-CT Scans
NHS Funding
Please note: This guidance is subject to change. Please visit this section periodically for any updates.
The widespread perception that it is difficult to obtain NHS funding for PET scans in research protocols seems to be a significant disincentive to the development of new protocols. A survey performed by the NCRI PET Research Network has revealed that low levels of awareness and a lack of explicit procedures are key issues when dealing with NHS research costs, particularly with regards to Excess Treatment Costs (ETCs).
A guidance document for the attribution of the costs of research PET-CT scans (v5) has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Health to help researchers define which scans fall under which attribution cost categories under the ARCO guidance* and how to navigate the system more effectively in each particular case, by means of an interactive flowchart that includes PET-CT research examples to clarify the definitions. *Please note this guidance document was developed under the ARCO guidance which is now superceded by AcoRD. The principles of cost attribution remain similar under AcoRD but researchers should review the new guidance in parallel.
Research Funding
PET research is complex and often regarded as being expensive, which can make it difficult to secure funding through conventional routes, such as project and research grants. However, there are several funding routes that address particular areas of research that are well suited for funding PET studies. The current directory (updated August 2011) highlights several grants that UK PET researchers could apply for and the remit of each funding route.
Funding streams for NCRI CS(D)Gs
Collated information on the funding streams available to the National Cancer Research Institute Clinical Studies Groups (NCRI CS(D)Gs) is available here. Please note that this document is only a summary of the more regularly used funding streams and is not intended to be an exhaustive list.