Interactive Web-based Emergency Neuroradiology Course with Self-Assessment for Radiology Residents: A Pilot Project.

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness of an online, case-based interactive course in emergency neuroradiology to prepare radiology residents for night call in neuroradiology. A total of 15 residents participated in a pretest assessment of preparedness for neuroradiology call. After completing a 6-week interactive course incorporating case review, didactic lectures, quiz feedback, and references for further review, the same residents were quizzed on cognitive questions and feelings of readiness to enter the on-call pool for neuroradiology. Knowledge and confidence both significantly increased due to the course. Knowledge-wise, the scores for precourse quiz to postcourse quiz went from 18.4%-72.2% (53.8% increase) in Brain Imaging and went from 22.3%-77.1% (54.8% increase) in Head, Neck, and Spine (P < 0.001 for both). Confidence-wise, residents demonstrated statistically significant increases in all 6 confidence measures. Prior to the course, 29% were not confident, 71% were fairly confident, and 0% were confident/very confident. After the course, 0% were not confident, 43% were fairly confident, and 57% were confident/very confident. Belief in the statement "I can provide high quality Neuroimaging services in the emergency care setting" increased from a confidence score of 1.29-2.57 after training (P=0.004). Nearly all residents completing their first emergency call reported that they felt more confident reading neuroradiology studies during their call as a direct result of the course. Completing the multi-pronged interactive, case-based online emergency neuroradiology course led to improved funds of knowledge and feelings of confidence and impacted imaging approach in residents taking neuroradiology call.