Advancing IR in Underserved Regions: Interventional Radiology Simulation Near and Far

Abstract

Simulation facilitates learning by imitating real-world systems or processes utilizing educational tools and models. Various fields, including business, aviation, and education use simulation for training. In healthcare, simulation provides trainees opportunities to develop procedural skills in a safe environment, building their understanding through hands-on interactions and experiences rather than passive didactics. Simulation is classified into low, medium, and high fidelity, based on how closely it mimics real-life experience. Its use in education is a valuable adjunct to instructional support and training with multiple potential benefits. Interventional radiology (IR) trainees can build technical and clinical proficiency prior to working directly on a patient. Simulation promotes experiential learning, constructivist learning, and student centeredness, thus giving students control over their learning and knowledge acquisition. More recently, the creative use of remote simulation has augmented traditional virtual didactic lectures, thereby further engaging international learners and enhancing remote collaboration. Despite the challenges to implementation, the addition of simulation in IR education is proving invaluable to supporting trainees and physicians in underserved regions.

Keywords: global health education; high-fidelity simulation; interventional radiology; remote simulation; simulation; simulation in education.

Fig. 1

High-fidelity simulation training using the Mentice simulator at the Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Medicine, University of Nairobi.

Fig. 2

Dr. Robert Dixon leads a group of residents and fellows at the University of Nairobi through a module using the high-fidelity Mentice simulator.

Fig. 3

A remote simulation session using the high-fidelity Mentice simulator was performed by RAD-AID IR as a U.S.-based physician walked through cases being broadcast to international learners.