Andres Vasquez MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Javier Andres Romero MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yenny Alejandra Moreno Vanegas BSC, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jorge Andres Abreu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Continual medical educational programs are commonly used in radiology, in both live and virtual form with their corresponding pros and cons. One of the main problems that live educational programs have is the projected forgetting curve, which estimates that after three months more than 90% of the knowledge acquired has been forgotten. Virtual programs loose the practical scenario necessary in many educational radiology programs where practice is the basis concept understanding. The theory of Longtail was described in economics and pretends to demonstrate that the virtualization of consumerism makes products that are not offered by the HEAD (where the most popular products are present), reappear in the market in what is called the Longtail. Translating this theory to education, continual medical educational programs can be developed with the best of each modality (live vs. Virtual).

A training and re-training program in Doppler was developed for radiologists. This program included both a live and virtual component. The live program was both practical and theoretical (HEAD). During two days participants assisted to conferences dictated by experts in ultrasound/Doppler and at the same time had Access to a web platform (TAIL), which contained all the theoretical material. This platform is based in a Web 2.0 environment where each participant has the opportunity not only to review the theoretical contents but at the same time to ask specific questions to experts in the field, to participate in forums, ultimately creating a collective intelligence. There were 35 participants in total. A pre-program, post-program and one month afterward exams were done (all with same difficulty level). The mean score of the pre test was 45/100, the mean of the posttest was 78/100 and after one month 92/100. A complete statistical analysis was done of the data encountered.  

The application of the longtail theory to programs in continual medical education can be of great benefit empowering participants in their lifelong learning process resulting in memory retention levels greater than 90%.  

The applied theory of Longtail could be key in the success of radiological educational programs.

Vasquez, A, Romero, J, Moreno Vanegas, Y, Abreu, J, Longtail Theory Applied to Medical Continual Education: A Doppler Program for Radiologist in Developing Countries.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12022298.html