Jordan K. Swensson MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Benjamin Lloyd Rase MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Brian Lane McMahan MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bilal Tahir MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Darel Edward Heitkamp MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The advent of the diagnostic radiology Core Exam and the new ACGME Milestone evaluation system for radiology residents places new emphasis on topics in MRI safety and MRI and CT contrast agents. This change gives residency programs the opportunity to develop new curricula to help their residents succeed in this new environment. We evaluated whether lecture-based teaching or online modules would improve baseline resident knowledge in these areas, and assessed which intervention was more effective. 

Prior to didactic intervention, two cohorts were created from 57 radiology residents with equal numbers and matched level of training. The residents were tested on their baseline knowledge of general MRI safety, MRI contrast safety, and CT contrast safety with a multiple-choice examination consisting of 42 questions divided equally among the topics. Additional questions evaluated the residents’ subjective comfort in these fields. One group attended a live, one hour lecture on the above topics. The other engaged in three short, online educational modules. After one month, the residents were again tested with the same questions to assess for improvement in their understanding and/or comfort level. 

Both the module and lecture cohorts demonstrated a statistically significant increase in questions answered correctly on CT contrast safety (13.1%, p<0.001, and 19.1%, p<0.001 respectively) and on MRI safety/MRI contrast safety (12.9%, p<0.001, and 14.4%, p<0.001). The pre-intervention and post-intervention scores, and degree of improvement post-intervention was similar for the module vs lecture groups without statistical difference (p=0.70). Resident confidence improved in both groups for both modalities.

Focused didactic intervention improves resident knowledge on issues of general MRI safety and MRI and CT contrast agents. Live lectures and online modules can be equally effective tools, allowing residency programs flexibility.

Live lectures and online modules are equally effective tools for increasing resident knowledge of MRI safety and MRI and CT contrast safety allowing flexibility for residency program curricula.  

Swensson, J, Rase, B, McMahan, B, Tahir, B, Heitkamp, D, Developing Curricula for Teaching MRI Safety and MRI/CT Contrast Safety To Residents: How Effective Are Live Lectures and Online Modules?.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14013730.html