Betty Anne Schwarz MSc, RN, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mark E. Schweitzer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, MMI Munich Medical International GmbH Data Safety Monitoring Board, Histogenics Corporation

Rebecca Ann Peterson MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Following the Flexnor report in the early 1990’s undergraduate medical school training underwent a revolution. These changes overwhelmingly affected clinical disciplines. Until recently formal medical school imaging training was extremely limited. As imaging is digital we felt it lended itself to web based teaching. Hence, we developed and systematically assessed the educational effects of a web-based series of modules to ameliorate this deficit.

A web based teaching module was developed to be used by trainees from other services. These modules were based on what should be the critical mass of imaging that all non-imaging specialists should know. The curriculum consisted of 600 de-identified cases organized by body part, with text and user controlled animation. The 600 cases were felt to run the gamut of typical imaging that would be seen by the generalist. These cases were supplemented by 13 video power-point lectures including; Introduction to Head CT, An Approach to CT Head, Contrast Use, Basic Abdomen, Basics of Chest Imaging, Radiology of Spine Trauma, Easily Missed Musculoskeletal Injuries, Radiology of Extremity Fractures, Review of Chest Image Interpretation. Assessment of learning was done via a web based questionnaire. This questionnaire was based on the post test given as part of our University’s radiology elective. Our assessment was given to third and fourth year medical students both pre and post web based educational intervention assessments. A fraction of later students also expressed their confidence in their answers.

The average on the pre-test was 40% whereas their post-test average was 71% (P < 0.0001 CI 23.26-38.45)

This web based systematic didactic and case based review of radiology demonstrably enhanced medical student familiarity with our field.

We implemented and evaluated the effectiveness of a web based program to significantly aid in teaching non imaging clinicians the basics of image interpretation.  

Schwarz, B, Schweitzer, M, Peterson, R, Assessment of Web Based Interactive Learning of Basic Image Interpretation.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14014644.html