Constructing an Experiential Education Model in Undergraduate Radiology Education by the Utilization of the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)

Abstract

Background Medical education in China is in a transitional period changing from passive learning to experiential education models. We have modified an experiential education method for radiology education. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of this method on undergraduate radiology education. Methods With the help of the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and RadiAnt DICOM Viewer, we have modified an experiential education method that simulates similar working conditions for undergraduate medical students to take on the role as clinical radiologists and formulate radiology diagnosis. A total of 101 students were allocated into either the experiential education group [Office1] or the control group. The final examination scores and a 5-point Likert scale self-assessment questionnaire of radiologic skills were collected from all the students as an objective assessment and a subjective assessment respectively. A questionnaire was also used to assess the satisfaction with the experiential model in the experiential education group. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the ranked data, and t -tests were used to compare the numeric data. Results The experiential education group demonstrated significantly higher scores (7.4±1.3) in the short answer type questions on imaging “description and diagnosis” when compared to the control group (6.7±1.5, p <0.05). The self-assessment questionnaire indicated that the experiential education corresponded to an increased familiarity with the diagnostic principles, the imaging sequences and reconstruction methods of computer tomography (CT), which also strengthen participants’ confidence to perform future clinical work (p <0.05). The self-assessment questionnaire from the experiential education group showed great satisfaction with the organization (82.5%), interactivity (85%) and quality (85%) of the learning activity in majority of students. Most students found this model of learning to be helpful for studying radiology (85%) and for understanding anatomy (90%). Conclusion Compared with the traditional radiology education approach, the experiential education model showed greater efficacy in improving students’ analytical and diagnostic skills as well as clinical confidence.

Practice-Based Learning Using Smart Class: A Competency-Based Model in Undergraduate Radiology Education

“…Audience response system has increased students' participation as a good interactive strategy of classroom teaching (22,34). Hybrid of CBL and the PACS simulator mimics clinical scenarios and motivates students to see, think, and behave as genuine doctors, in which students could be trained on problem solving and diagnostic reasoning, as well as increase their self-confidence (35,36). Under the concept of immersion and simulation, these methods were organized systematically upon the smart class environment.…”

“…First, we used a CBL pattern during course delivery, where teacher disclosed image-related information step by step. Similarly, Chen et al (35) used cases in simulator-based teaching, but self-learning was the main body and imaging information was open. Students with our model experienced the process of diagnostic formulation and decision making in a manner similar to doctors.…”

A Successful Model for an Introductory Oncology Teaching Conference and Its Impact on Preclinical and Clinical Medical Students

“…30,31 Self-assessment questionnaires can help researchers gain important insights and influence personal attributes and attitudes. 32,33 A presurvey and postsurvey study showed that a health care curriculum had positive effects on students' attitudes, perceptions, and communications skills. 32 Nevertheless, future programs will need to apply objective methods to assess the effectiveness of educational interventions in oncology and use that as an opportunity for further development and improvement.…”

Image Segmentation-Based Cervical Spine MRI Images to Evaluate the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Pain

“…The picture archiving and communication systems (PASC) is an integral part of the medical information system, which can obtain medical images for imaging diagnosis. In addition, it also can measure, reconstruct, and calculate the images through the image processing tool of workstation, which can provide effective guidance in clinical treatment practice [7,8]. In recent years, medical image processing technology has become more and more critical with the rapid development of modern medical image technology.…”