Needs Assessment for a Radiology Elective: Residents’ Practical Perspective

Dobson, Jessica L. and Smyth, Lisa (2020) Needs Assessment for a Radiology Elective: Residents’ Practical Perspective. Research Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Purpose: Medical student radiology electives remain a challenge from a medical education standpoint, and research into the area has been popular recently. Assessment of radiology topics used in the clinical practice of a junior resident, and what radiology skills they find useful, is largely absent from the literature. As such, with the aim to improve our local elective program, we sought to survey first-year residents on what imaging topics they use and recommend for inclusion in a radiology elective. Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed to all first-year residents at our institution to determine their knowledge of specific radiology topics relative to their needs in residency, the prevalence of these topics in their program, and their perspectives on what is needed for a radiology elective. Results: 19 (28%) of our first-year residents completed the survey, most of whom (59%) were family medicine residents. Of those who had completed an elective in radiology prior, 42% felt having a staff mentor is useful during such a rotation. While 47% agreed or strongly agreed that their knowledge of diagnostic imaging was adequate for their needs, this number dropped to 5% for interventional radiology. Topics most frequently identified as needing to be emphasized in electives included chest radiography, abdominal radiography, and imaging appropriateness. Conclusions: We have identified a potential structure and key topics which should be emphasized in a radiology elective to provide trainees with information relevant to their future training, regardless of their specialty of choice.

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