Abstract
ObjectivesMinimally invasive interventional approaches are gaining wider acceptance with several specialities incorporating such principles. Awareness and understanding of interventional principles require efficacious education and training methodologies. We performed a systematic review to identify all available interventional speciality learning modules or training opportunities available for undergraduate medical students. We also propose a standardised framework for relevant modules.MethodsWe searched PubMed and all Ovid databases with no language restriction for studies that report and evaluate interventional speciality educational modules or similar training initiatives. We followed a prospective protocol (PROSPERO registration: CRD42018110006). Internal and external validity of the included studies was assessed. Qualitative synthesis of data was performed to define performance improvement and/or motivation towards a career in an interventional speciality.ResultsOut of 6081 records, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria, 15 of which were focused on interventional radiology. More than half of studies (9/17) were surveys where student knowledge and interest were reported as poor. 5 out of 6 studies which assessed the effect of educational interventions concluded to improved knowledge or performance. Most surveys concluded that early exposure can increase interest towards such specialities, improve knowledge and relevant motivation.ConclusionsFew studies report teaching initiatives in interventional radiology and other interventional specialities, reflecting the poor relevant motivation and knowledge amongst medical students. Simple interventions e.g. introductory lectures and simulation sessions spark interest in students and also improve knowledge as proven in the case of interventional radiology. Standardisation of such efforts via a suggested framework, Strategy Development Framework for Interventional Radiology, can further optimise such outcomes.
Highlights
Interventional specialities are rapidly expanding, percolating several medical and surgical specialities
The fast-changing technological landscape has inspired the optimisation of imaging modalities which form the cornerstone of both diagnosis and treatment of various conditions across a number of unrelated specialities
Our chosen population included any undergraduate medical student, while interventions pertained to any teaching module in undergraduate education such as simulation or teaching courses, or any other learning activity relating to interventional specialities
Summary
Interventional specialities are rapidly expanding, percolating several medical and surgical specialities. The fast-changing technological landscape has inspired the optimisation of imaging modalities which form the cornerstone of both diagnosis and treatment of various conditions across a number of unrelated specialities. This advancement has permitted the creation of a less invasive and novel role for practitioners in the field of medicine and surgery, that is, the practice of interventional specialities [1]. A classic paradigm is the expansion of interventional cardiology, leading to the displacement and substitution of several extensive cardiothoracic procedures, the latter of which were often associated with higher mortality rates. Interventional Radiology (IR) was granted subspeciality status in the UK in 2010, and the number of IR procedures performed is continually increasing [2]
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