Should Radiological Assessment be Part of Core General Surgery Competency? A Survey of the General Surgery Residents

Abstract

Background Radiological assessment is an important skill to develop in general surgery training. Therefore, we aimed to determine general surgery residents' points of view on receiving formal radiology didactics. Methods We performed an anonymous survey of general surgery residents throughout the USA. The survey queried the residents' postgraduate year, training program type, diagnostic radiology education in their training program, as well as the residents' comfort level in interpreting various imaging modalities, followed by a series of images to assess the residents' ability to interpret images showing various surgical disease processes. Results A total of 365 residents responded to the survey. In total, 76.6% of the respondent states that there is no structured didactic session in their program on radiological studies. However, 66.3% felt that interpretation of radiological images should be used to determine surgical competency and promotion to the next academic year. In terms of accurately reading images-68.7% of the residents were able to read an X-ray showing cecal volvulus correctly, 51.9% were able to read a cholangiogram correctly, and 95.3% were correctly read an X-ray showing free under the diaphragm. Conclusion Most residents favored having radiological assessments as part of the competency evaluation. Furthermore, a curriculum and inbuilt training structure that aims to ensure residents develop competent clinical image interpretation abilities may enhance the development and retention of such skills, ultimately influencing patient outcomes.

Building an Efficient Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Program Despite the Lower-Middle–Income Barriers: Ukraine Experience

“…Additionally, with training, PSM surgeons and residents can interpret ultrasound (US) and CT scans. [32][33][34] For centers without specialized interventional radiology, short courses can enable radiologists and surgeons to perform predominant post-CRS/ HIPEC procedures-US or CT-guided drainage of intrapleural and intra-abdominal fluid collections. [35][36][37][38] This flexibility in service delivery is underscored by the similar morbidity rates across our centers, irrespective of their resources (Tables 3-6).…”

Evaluating the perceptions of Canadian urology residents and program directors regarding the current training in genitourinary imaging

“…Questions were developed based on a review of the urology literature, the most updated Royal College competencies and previous studies evaluating perceptions regarding imaging training among surgery residents. 1,3,4 Subsequently, the initial surveys were pilot tested by three urology residents and reviewed by one academic radiologist and three academic urologists from different residency programs to ensure clarity, relevance, and consistent interpretation of the questions. Feedback gathered during the pilot testing led to refinements in the survey that clarified the terms of the imaging modalities used, including assessing point-ofcare ultrasounds (Pocus) and adding a question assessing how residents proceed when interpreting different imaging modalities.…”

“…7 This gap in imaging training is not unique to urology and extends to other specialties such as general surgery. 4 One study gathered general surgery residents' knowledge and perspectives regarding formal radiology didactics. Around 75% of residents noted that no structured radiological didactics were being offered at their institution.…”