Abstract
BackgroundThe ability to interpret an X-Ray is a vital skill for graduating medical students which guides clinicians towards accurate diagnosis and treatment of the patient. However, research has suggested that radiological interpretation skills are less than satisfactory in not only medical students, but also in residents and consultants.MethodsThis study investigated the effectiveness of e-learning for the development of X-ray interpretation skills in pre-clinical medical students. Competencies in clinical X-Ray interpretation were assessed by comparison of pre- and post-intervention scores and one year follow up assessment, where the e-learning course was the ‘intervention’.ResultsOur results demonstrate improved knowledge and skills in X-ray interpretation in students. Assessment of the post training students showed significantly higher scores than the scores of control group of students undertaking the same assessment at the same time.ConclusionsThe development of the Internet and advances in multimedia technologies has paved the way for computer-assisted education. As more rural clinical schools are established the electronic delivery of radiology teaching through websites will become a necessity. The use of e-learning to deliver radiology tuition to medical students represents an exciting alternative and is an effective method of developing competency in radiological interpretation for medical students.
Highlights
The ability to interpret an X-Ray is a vital skill for graduating medical students which guides clinicians towards accurate diagnosis and treatment of the patient
The ability to interpret an X-Ray is a vital skill for medical students, as this imaging modality guides the medical professional towards accurate diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions
Radiology is typically introduced to medical students in their clinical years [12], when they are confronted with radiological images alongside technical questions from senior doctors
Summary
The ability to interpret an X-Ray is a vital skill for graduating medical students which guides clinicians towards accurate diagnosis and treatment of the patient. The ability to interpret an X-Ray is a vital skill for medical students, as this imaging modality guides the medical professional towards accurate diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions. The duration of specific, pre-clinical radiology teaching in Australian medical schools averages 4 h a year [10]. These statistics are disappointing, as imaging can be utilised as a dynamic teaching utility, demonstrating anatomy, pathology and physiology [11]. Radiology is typically introduced to medical students in their clinical years [12], when they are confronted with radiological images alongside technical questions from senior doctors. Due to the 4-year postgraduate medical degree prevailing in Australian medical schools, it may be unfeasible to introduce additional didactic teaching for radiology to an already condensed program
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