Abstract
AimThe aim was to design an app-based eLearning tool to provide radiographers with information about the physical basis of MR artefacts and practical elimination or/and minimisation strategies to optimise image quality, and to evaluate the impact of a smartphone app on radiographers’ knowledge.MethodsThe study used the comparison-experimental approach (pre- and post-test). Thirty-five MR radiographers independently reviewed a prepared series of MR images (n = 25). The participants were requested to identify image quality related errors, to specify error-correction strategies and to score how confident they were in their responses. Participants were then divided into experimental (n = 19) and control cohorts (n = 16). The app was provided to the experimental cohort for 3 months; after this period both cohorts re-reviewed the MR image datasets and repeated their identification of image quality errors.ResultsThe results showed a statistically significant difference between control and experimental cohorts relative to participants’ pre- to post-test knowledge level. For the experimental cohort, years of experience, qualification and type of hospital were not associated with radiographer knowledge level and confidence in recognising the presence of an image quality error, naming the error and specifying appropriate correction strategies (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe study identified the potential of the smartphone app as an effective educational tool to support MR radiographers’ knowledge in recognising and characterising MR image quality errors.Key Points• A high level of knowledge to optimise MR image quality is crucial.• Ongoing education in image quality optimisation is required.• The potential role of app as an effective educational tool is identified.
Highlights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a complex modality based on specific scientific principles and requires a high level of knowledge and expertise for optimal scanning of both routine and complex examinations [1, 2]
Most the above studies focused on the impact of app usage on students’ learning, the principle of using an app to source information and gain knowledge can be applied to any other group of people such as healthcare professionals, including MR radiographers [23]
The app was provided to one group of MR radiographers for a three-month period, after which the image-based experiment was repeated in order to evaluate the impact of the app on MR radiographers’ ability to evaluate MR image quality
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a complex modality based on specific scientific principles and requires a high level of knowledge and expertise for optimal scanning of both routine and complex examinations [1, 2]. Elfeky and Masadeh (2016) and Brize-Ponce (2016) confirmed that the use of mobile learning (e.g., apps) was more effective on students’ knowledge than the use of traditional teaching approaches, due to the availability of the device without the restrictions of time and place [17, 18]. This concurred with the findings of Ling et al (2014) and Bidaki et al, (2013) who outlined the positive impact of mobile learning apps on academic performance because of the combination of portability and accessibility [19, 20]. Most the above studies focused on the impact of app usage on students’ learning, the principle of using an app to source information and gain knowledge can be applied to any other group of people such as healthcare professionals, including MR radiographers [23]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
