Joshua Pinter MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the efficacy of an online radiation safety training module for residents in clinical fields who may be responsible for ordering imaging exams in the initial workup of patients.  As focus on radiation safety issues increases, so has demand for radiation safety training for clinical residents.  Fitting additional lectures into often taxed residency schedules can be challenging, and this module was developed to meet demand for radiation safety education at our institution. The radiation safety module evaluated is an online module designed to promote judicious use of studies utilizing ionizing radiation.  The module reviews basic physics and radiation dosimetry and it provides various case based clinical scenarios which emphasize clinical appropriateness guidelines such as the ACR appropriateness criteria.

Emergency medicine, internal medicine, and surgical residents completed an online educational module including instruction in radiation safety, CT dosimetry, and appropriate use of imaging tests involving ionizing radiation.  The module consisted of an online presentation and interactive clinical cases.  A knowledge assessment was presented both before and after the educational module to test the participants awareness of radiation safety topics and ability to identify appropriate initial imaging exams. Additionally, survey questions were presented to allow residents to provide feedback on the module.

On average, participants reported the module took 30 minutes to complete.  Test scores on the knowledge assessment improved significantly after participants completed the module, from 56% to 81% (p=0.029).  On the exit survey, participants indicated a favorable view of the format of the presentation as a vehicle for learning radiation safety topics.

Radiological examinations utilizing ionizing radiation carry a small but cumulative risk.  An online module can be an effective tool to educate clinicians about radiation safety and the rational use of imaging exams involving ionizing radiation.

An interactive online educational module can be an effective strategy for educating clinicians on radiation safety topics.

Pinter, J, Evaluation of an Online Training Module Designed for Clinicians and Residents on Clinical Services to Encourage the Judicious Use of Computed Tomography Studies.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11007819.html