Resident Experiences With Virtual Radiology Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

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Remote Reading and Teaching of Nuclear Medicine in the Era of COVID-19

“…Although virtual communication was fundamental to safe operations during the pandemic, this approach is associated with limitations, including a perceived decrease in personalized teaching by some trainees and increased distractibility, yet many residents report a desire to maintain elements of virtual learning post-pandemic. 18 As immunization efforts continue to expand, residency training programs are slowly returning to a more traditional teaching structure. Based on the benefit and reported success of virtual online learning, we should consider which of the new methodologies should continue being employed, and with which modifications.…”

“…The most frequent barriers to attending this virtual curriculum were technical difficulties (43%) and childcare (36%). 18 …”

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology Resident Education: Where Do We Go From Here?

“… 18 For some residents, virtual readouts without real cases on a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) were also felt to be a training weakness. 9 Post-pandemic, virtual readouts may have a place in radiology training, but would likely exist in a hybrid model with in-person readouts 9 , 17 , 19 and would have to address the described disadvantages ( Table 1 ). Specifically, it would likely be helpful to initially establish a resident's level of knowledge and competence in-person due to the advantages of increased rapport and gauging body language, prior to taking advantage of a blended model through the use of a virtual platform.…”

“… 4 , 7 , 8 One study that surveyed radiology residents showed the majority of residents were satisfied with the virtual delivery of teaching rounds. 9 For residents, remote rounds promotes social distancing and also reduces travel requirements which could decrease their time away from their current rotation. However, technical difficulties may impede learning and in general.…”

“… 20 However, as residents and faculty became more accustomed to technology and the virtual format, engagement improved. 2 , 5 A number of virtual learning strategies were also employed including, gamification, 16 digital polling, 5 , 9 , 20 and case-based learning. 6 , 7 , 21 , 22 For the most part, residents prefer the in-person experience for teaching and learning.…”