Interpreting office radiographs: a research-based curricular prototype for training family practice residents

Abstract

Radiographic film interpretation is one area of the family practice residency training curriculum that has been given little focused emphasis. Starting with a series of studies into the office practice of radiology by family physicians to define need, content, and interpretation skill level, and following a systematic curriculum design process, the authors developed a comprehensive curriculum for teaching office X-ray interpretation to family practice residents. The final curricular prototype consists of: 1) a complete set of curriculum objectives; 2) a written monograph; 3) a set of instructional X-rays; and 4) a set of evaluation films. This research-based curriculum development process may serve as a model for developing other educational components for family practice residency training.