Benjamin L. Yam MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jose Morey MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stuart Duncan Kinsella BA, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nora Marie Haney BS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tessa S. Cook MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Teaching files, formal presentations, and collections of interesting cases are used to teach radiology residents and fellows. However, such materials provide only a small subset of images in order to feature noteworthy findings, whereas to make a diagnosis in regular clinical practice requires reviewing multiple stacks of images. To more effectively test the ability of trainees to recognize abnormalities on musculoskeletal MRI and CT, we developed a mobile application that presents a mixed array of normal and abnormal exams. To replicate the way they would be viewed on a PACS workstation, all cases are presented as scrollable image stacks. Presenting this content on a mobile platform enables radiology trainees to practice outside the reading room while still simulating clinical practice.

Multiplanar image stacks from musculoskeletal MRI and CT scans are randomly presented in a scrollable image viewer. Cases are classified as basic or advanced. For each case, the app allows the user to scroll through the image stack on a mobile device as if reviewing at a workstation. Once the images have been reviewed, the possible diagnoses can be revealed as a multiple-choice quiz, but only after the case images are hidden! This is intended to simulate daily practice, during which each patient’s study does not arrive with a multiple-choice list of possible diagnoses, which can sequentially be eliminated. A running score is tallied as the trainee reviews each case. At the end of the quiz, the answers are revealed by way of explanation.

We have created a mobile-friendly test of visual perception for musculoskeletal imaging that presents joint, extremity, and spine MRI and CT scans as they would be viewed on a PACS workstation.

This mobile application provides an approach to giving radiology trainees additional opportunities to practice their diagnostic skills outside the reading room. The app can potentially be used as a performance tracker during training, as well as be extended to other modalities and subspecialties.

Yam, B, Morey, J, Kinsella, S, Haney, N, Cook, T, Learning Musculoskeletal Radiology on the Go: PACS-Like Testing of Both Recognition and Interpretive Skills on the iPad.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13011695.html