An overview of maxillofacial radiology education activities during and after the COVID- 19 pandemic

Objective: To convey the applications of online education in the field of maxillofacial radiology, which is widely used in the world during the COVID- 19 pandemic, and the post-pandemic education and training models suggestions in accordance with the changing world order by compiling the research results and literature information on the subject. Method: Different educational models applied in maxillofacial radiology before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated in terms of their results and activities by looking into published articles. In the light of these data, regulations, and recommendations were developed for post-pandemic educational activities. Findings: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the disruptions in educational activities at all levels and fields all over the world were reflected in maxillofacial radiology education. However, studies show that learning with online education in this field, especially in the interpretation of radiological images and problem-based learning activities, is at least as successful as or more than traditional education models. Online education also provides feedback to lecturers and promotes active learning, considered best practices for the teaching-learning process. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, theoretical education has been tried to be continued in the form of online education, although various some studies showed that online education is insufficient in practical education. In radiological interpretation, it is one of the biggest problems to ensure students' attention and effective participation in practical terms. In addition, online teaching of radiographic techniques and applications may not be as effective as instructive teaching techniques. After the pandemic, it is predicted that returning to normal maxillofacial radiology education will be challenging in both theoretical and practical aspects and there will is be a need to change. Results: Considering the strengths and weaknesses of online education models, whose application area has increased so much during the COVID-19 pandemic. The development and implementation of new, effective education-training models suitable both for the conditions and for everyone involved in education for the post-pandemic period, emerges as a necessity. After the pandemic, it is important to evaluate the blended education model in theoretical education, to make various changes in maxillofacial radiology practical training and to re-determine the rules of hygiene, separation and education.

Impact of COVID-19 on radiology education in Europe: a survey by the ESR Radiology Trainees Forum (RTF)

Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected radiology services around the globe. The impact of the crisis on radiology education in Europe has yet to be determined, in order to identify measures to achieve optimal training of radiologists during pandemics. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on young radiologist members of the European Society of Radiology (ESR). Methods A survey consisting of 28 questions was developed and distributed using SurveyMonkey to all ESR European radiologist members in training. The survey sought to collect information on three main themes, ‘demographics’, ‘training level’ and ‘effects of COVID-19’. The responses were statistically analysed with the use of R programming using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 249 responses from 34 countries were collected. Specific training on COVID-19 was not offered to 52.2% (130) of the participants. A total of 196 participants were not redeployed to other specialities but only 46.2% of institutions allowed residents to work from home. E-learning was offered at 43% of the departments and most participants (86.2%) were not allowed to switch from clinical work to research. A minority (n = 13) were suspended with (30.8%) or without salary (38.5%) or were forced to take vacation/yearly holiday leave (7.7%) or sick leave (23%). Almost half of the participants did not have access to personal protective equipment and a minority of them had their financial status affected. Conclusions The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has significantly affected all aspects of postgraduate radiology training across the ESR member countries.

Assessment of the knowledge of radiology in exiting medical students in University of Calabar

Objectives: Radiology education in the undergraduate level imparts in medical students the basic knowledge to interpret common pathological conditions, know the right imaging requests to make and the right order in which they should be made when they become physicians and the degree of this knowledge is influenced by several factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of radiology in exiting medical students and to identify the challenges of undergraduate radiology education. Material and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study that was conducted in a 2-month period in the Radiology Department of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. The year 6 medical students of the University of Calabar, who were 79 in number, participated in the study. Relevant questions covering the major areas of radiology were presented to each participant by the use of a pre-test questionnaire. SPSS version 23.0., Pearson’s Chi-square test, and t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The medical students had a mean score of 66.5% in radiology knowledge. A significant relationship was observed between diagnostic radiology knowledge and the duration of radiology posting (P = 0.029), radiology teaching methods (P = 0.001), and the quality of learning environment (P = 0.002), respectively. Conclusion: The final year medical students in University of Calabar have an appreciable knowledge of radiology. This can be improved if the duration of radiology education increases by early introduction into the pre-clinical class or other clinical courses, if the radiology teaching methods are updated, and if the quality of the learning environment is improved.

Radiology Education Among Emergency Medicine Residencies: A National Needs Assessment

Introduction: Radiology training is an important component of emergency medicine (EM) education, but its delivery has been variable. Program directors have reported a lack of radiology skills in incoming interns. A needs assessment is a crucial first step toward improving radiology education among EM residencies. Our objective was to explore the current state of radiology education in EM residency programs. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited EM programs in the United States. Program leadership completed an online survey consisting of multiple choice, Likert scale, and free-response items. We calculated and reported descriptive statistics. Results: Of eligible EM programs, 142/252 (56%) completed the survey including 105 postgraduate year (PGY) 1-3 and 36 PGY 1-4 programs. One respondent opted out of answering demographic questions. 23/141 (16%) were from the Western region, 29/141 (21%) were from the North Central region, 14/141 (10%) were from the South-Central region, 28/141 (20%) were from the Southeast region, and 47/141 (33%) were from the Northeast region. A total of 88/142 (62%) of responding programs did not have formal radiology instruction. Of the education that is provided, 127/142 (89%) provide it via didactics/lectures and 115/142 (81%) rely on instruction during clinical shifts. Only 51/142 (36%) provide asynchronous opportunities, and 23/142 (16%) have a dedicated radiology rotation. The majority of respondents reported spending 0-2 hours per month on radiology instruction (108/142; 76%); 95/141 (67%) reported that EM faculty “often” or “always” provide radiology instruction; 134/142 (95%), felt that it was “extremely” or “very important” for ED providers to be able to independently interpret radiograph results; and 129/142 (90.84%) either “sometimes” or “always” rely on their independent radiograph interpretations to make clinical decisions. The radiology studies identified as most important to be able to independently interpret were radiographs obtained for lines/tubes, chest radiographs, and radiographs obtained for musculoskeletal-related complaints. Conclusion: A minority of EM residency programs have formal instruction in radiology despite the majority of responding program leadership believing that these are important skills. The most important curricular areas were identified. These results may inform the development of formal radiology curricula in EM graduate medical education.