Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2018 Jun 1:14:10721.
doi: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10721.

An Introductory, Computer-Based Learning Module for Interpreting Noncontrast Head Computed Tomography

Kara Gaetke-Udager  1   2 , Zachary N London  3   4 , Sean Woolen  5 , Hemant Parmar  6 , Janet E Bailey  6   7 , Daniel C Barr  8   9
Affiliations

An Introductory, Computer-Based Learning Module for Interpreting Noncontrast Head Computed Tomography

Kara Gaetke-Udager et al. MedEdPORTAL. .

Abstract

Introduction: New radiology and other residents must quickly assimilate a vast amount of anatomic and pathologic information when learning to interpret noncontrast head computed tomography (CT). No interactive, computer-based module using a search-pattern approach to provide new residents with the groundwork for interpretation of noncontrast head CT previously existed.

Methods: We developed such a learning module using PowerPoint. First-year radiology residents completed the module prior to their neuroradiology rotation, and neurology residents completed it during orientation. Residents took 20-question pre- and posttests to assess knowledge and a postmodule survey. Each resident was randomized to one of two pretests and took the opposite as the posttest. Scores were collected over 5 years for radiology residents and 4 years for neurology residents. Statistical analysis of scores was performed using t tests.

Results: Forty-seven first-year radiology residents and 31 neurology residents completed the module and the pre- and posttests. Scores for all residents either stayed the same or increased, regardless of the order of the versions of the pre- or posttests; the mean score increase was 4 (p < .0001) out of 20. Radiology residents had higher mean scores than neurology residents on the pre- and posttests, which were statistically significant (p < .04 and .0004, respectively). Feedback on the survey was overwhelmingly positive.

Discussion: This computerized learning module is effective for teaching basic interpretation skills to new radiology and neurology residents. The module allows for asynchronous, programmed learning and the use of a step-by-step search-pattern approach.

Keywords: Learning Module; Noncontrast Head Computed Tomography; Search Pattern.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

None to report.

References

    1. Prezzia C, Vorona G, Greenspan R. Fourth-year medical student opinions and basic knowledge regarding the field of radiology. Acad Radiol. 2013;20(3):272–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2012.10.004 - PubMed
    1. Nasca TJ, Philibert I, Brigham T, Flynn TC. The Next GME Accreditation System—rationale and benefits. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(11):1051–1056. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMsr1200117 - PubMed
    1. Bruni SG, Bartlett E, Yu E. Factors involved in discrepant preliminary radiology resident interpretations of neuroradiological imaging studies: a retrospective analysis. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2012;198(6):1367–1374. https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.11.7525 - PubMed
    1. Erly WK, Berger WG, Krupinski E, Seeger JF, Guisto JA. Radiology resident evaluation of head CT scan orders in the emergency department. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2002;23(1):103–107. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Walls J, Hunter N, Brasher PMA, Ho SGF. The DePICTORS Study: discrepancies in preliminary interpretation of CT scans between on-call residents and staff. Emerg Radiol. 2009;16(4):303–308. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-009-0795-9 - PubMed

MeSH terms