The use of technology in postgraduate medical education within radiology: a scoping review

Abstract

Postgraduate radiology training has traditionally followed didactic approaches; however, complex reasoning skills and critical thinking are essential in the field of radiology. Therefore, the shortages of radiologists in Africa have necessitated the need to review the use of technology in postgraduate education to improve efficient training and service. This scoping review was conducted to map the evidence on the role of technology in postgraduate radiology education and practice. A systematic scoping review search strategy was undertaken to review material published between January 2005 and August 2020 on the use of technology in radiology education. Data from the included studies were extracted and analyzed for emerging themes and presented in response to the research question. Seven articles described studies from the African continent. The most popular technological intervention was telemedicine, and several niche areas of technology implementation were identified (blended learning, flipped learning, digital teaching files). Furthermore, the most challenging aspects relating to technology use remain fiscal and credentialing constraints. Technology plays a role in postgraduate radiology education through networks, synchronous and asynchronous applications. It has the potential to increase support to doctoral students in the African context and alleviate some stressors associated with traditional, face-to-face didactic programs.