Abstract
Magnetic resonance is an imaging modality that implies a high complexity for radiographers. Despite some simulators having been developed for training purposes, we are not aware of any attempt to quantitatively measure their educational performance. The present study gives an answer to the question: Does an MRI simulator built on specific functional and non-functional requirements help radiographers learn MRI theoretical and practical concepts better than traditional educational method based on lectures? Our study was carried out in a single day by a total of 60 students of a main hospital in Madrid, Spain. The experiment followed a randomized pre-test post-test design with a control group that used a traditional educational method, and an experimental group that used our simulator. Knowledge level was assessed by means of an instrument with evidence of validity in its format and content, while its reliability was analyzed after the experiment. Statistical differences between both groups were measured. Significant statistical differences were found in favor of the participants who used the simulator for both the post-test score and the gain (difference between post-test and pre-test scores). The effect size turned out to be significant as well. In this work we evaluated a magnetic resonance simulation paradigm as a tool to help in the training of radiographers. The study shows that a simulator built on specific design requirements is a valuable complement to traditional education procedures, backed up with significant quantitative results.
Highlights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging modality commonly used for diagnosis of pathologies related to soft tissue and has experienced great growth in recent years, as reflected in [1]
We have identified a set of features that an MRI simulator designed for radiographer training should possess; the requirements stem from both literature review and interviews with senior radiologists from the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM, https://www.seram.es/, last access on 30 July 2021), and radiographers and educators from the School of Radiographers of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
In this work we have presented the evaluation of an education-oriented MRI computer simulation paradigm, grounded on a number of functional and non-functional requirements
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging modality commonly used for diagnosis of pathologies related to soft tissue and has experienced great growth in recent years, as reflected in [1]. MRI offers excellent contrast in soft tissue with non-ionizing radiation and is extremely versatile since a myriad of image contrasts can be obtained by setting its many available parameters Radiologic technologists (i.e., radiographers) need a deep background in this technique to sort out all the difficulties they come across in daily practice. Their duty is carried out in a highly demanding clinical environment, where both image quality and patient throughput are to be maximized; this has the consequence of minimum (or null) scanner time allocation for training. The software installed in these machines poses additional difficulties, even for experienced radiologists [2]
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