Training in Interventional Radiology: A Simulation-Based Approach

Abstract

Innovations in medical technology have revolutionised both medical and surgical practice. Indeed, with such innovations, training for specific specialties has become more advanced and streamlined. However, despite these novel approaches to train students and specialist trainees, training for interventional radiology (IR) is lagging. While the reason for this lag remains contentious, one of the primary reasons for this issue may be the lack of standardisation for IR training due to a scarcity of specific guidelines for the delivery of IR procedural training. Interventional radiologists manage a vast array of conditions and perform various procedures. However, training for each procedure is largely dependent on the centre and access to a range of cases. Recently, the use of simulation technology has allowed this issue to be addressed. Simulation technology allows trainees to participate in a range of procedures regardless of their centre and availability of cases. Specialties such as cardiology and vascular surgery have already adopted simulation-based technology for trainees and have commented positively on this approach. However, simulation-based training is still lacking in the IR training pathway. Here, we evaluate why IR training can benefit from a more simulation-based approach. We further consider the cost-effectiveness of implementing simulation-based training nationally. Finally, we outline the potential pitfalls that may arise of introducing simulation-based training for IR trainees. We conclude that despite its disadvantages, simulation training will prove to be more cost-efficient and allow standardisation of IR training.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional radiology services across the world

“…20e24 A simulation-based curriculum 25 could supplement practical skills training and maintenance of existing procedural skills. Multiple studies have shown that there is a role of simulation training in both the acquisition of endovascular skills for new learners, as well as learning for more experienced operators 26 ; however, it is not able to completely replace procedural training in real cases. In addition to simulation, a survey among ophthalmology trainees 24 showed that webbased real-time case presentations for clinical training and discussion of edited surgical videos for procedural training are the most desired training supplementation, with potential to be adapted for IR training.…”

Radiology subspecialisation in Africa: A review of the current status

“…25 Simulation-based technology and immersive training environment for IR have also been proposed. 74,75 A complementary business model of medical subspeciality training that incorporates the private sector has been developed for reproductive medicine in South Africa by Dalmeyer et al 76,77 The authors are convinced that the model can be applied to other subspecialities.…”

Three-Dimensional Simulator: Training for the Novices in Embolization With Liquid Agents

“…They offer standardized training scenarios, improving procedural skills i.e. vascular trauma management, uterine and prostatic artery embolization [4,20]. Those simulators are reusable, provide feedback, measure procedure and uoroscopy times.…”