Purpose or Case Report: This study evaluates the value of radiologist-driven imaging education in a pediatric residency program. The primary goals of this educational program were to provide pediatric residents with resources such as the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria, support optimal resource utilization and patient care, increase resident understanding of radiation risk, and determine the value of integrating radiologists into pediatric education.
Methods & Materials: A needs assessment was performed in which the chief residents of a large pediatrics program were surveyed. The consensus of chief residents was that a 4-part lecture series delivered by a pediatric radiologist would be beneficial to pediatric residents. Topics included general radiation risk as well as basic imaging topics in the chest, abdomen, neurologic system, extremities, and vasculature. Each lecture integrated appropriate ordering, ALARA/Image Gently, and basic image interpretation. Pediatric residents were given a 10-item quiz before and after the lecture series assessing their knowledge regarding the best test to order in clinical scenarios. Residents were also asked, using a Likert scale, to rate their understanding of radiation risk, the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, and other topics of interest before and after each lecture.
Results: A total of 79 unique surveys were collected from a program of 92 residents. Chief residents reported that most residents were able to attend at least 2 lectures. The average pre-lecture score for knowledge of radiation risk was 3.27 (95% CI: 3.02-3.51) out of 5 which improved to 4.27 (95% CI: 4.09-4.57) post-lecture. There was a further increase in understanding of ACR appropriateness, with pre-lecture rating of knowledge increasing from 1.91 (95% CI 1.54-2.29) out of 5 to 3.61 (95% CI 3.33-3.90) post-lecture. Other areas of notable improvement included understanding of appropriate imaging orders for neurologic pathology (2.61 to 4.06 pre- and post-lecture) and in the abdomen/pelvis (2.78 to 4.17 pre- and post-lecture). Residents also provided positive subjective feedback upon conclusion of the program and reported a beneficial effect on their education.
Conclusions: A radiologist-driven lecture series in a pediatric residency can improve resident understanding of appropriate ordering practices and radiation risk. Radiologist participation in pediatric residency training is well-received. Future directions for research could include evaluation of the rate of appropriateness compliance.