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.

The integrated nuclear medicine and radiology residency program in the Netherlands: strengths and potential areas for improvement according to nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists.

Purpose To evaluate the Dutch integrated nuclear medicine and radiology residency program from the perspective of nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists. Methods A survey was distributed among nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists in hospitals that participate in the Dutch integrated nuclear medicine and radiology training program. Results A total of 139 completed questionnaires were included. Nuclear medicine physicians (n = 36) assigned a mean score of 5.7 ± 2.0, and radiologists (n = 103) assigned a mean score of 6.5 ± 2.8 (on a 1–10 scale) to the success of the integrated training program in their hospital. On multiple regression, female gender of the survey participant (B = 2.22, P = 0.034), musculoskeletal radiology as subspecialty of the survey participant (B = 3.36, P = 0.032), and the survey participant’s expectancy of resident’s ability to handle workload after completion of residency, were significantly associated with perceived success of the integrated training program (B = 1.16, P = 0.023). Perceived strengths of the integrated training program included: broadening of expertise, a better preparation of future imaging specialists for hybrid imaging, increased efficiency in training residents, and increased efficiency in multidisciplinary meetings. Perceived weaknesses of the integrated training program included: reduced exposure to nuclear medicine, less time for research and innovation, and concerns about its international recognition. Conclusion This study provided insights into the experiences of nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists with the Dutch integrated nuclear medicine and radiology residency program, which may be helpful to improve the program and similar residency programs in other countries.

Current status of MSK radiology training: an international survey by the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) Young Club

Objectives There is wide variation between Countries in the structures of residency programmes, need for subspecialisation, and health care system organisation. This survey was aimed at gathering information regarding current musculoskeletal (MSK) educational programmes offered both in European and non-European Countries. Methods We administered an online survey to European Society of Radiology (ESR) residents and radiologists aged up to 35 years. The questionnaire was further disseminated by delegates of the ESR Radiology Trainees Forum. Survey consisted of 20 questions about the structure and organisation of MSK training programmes. Results Overall, 972 participants from 86 Countries completed the survey, with a wide heterogeneity of answers. Of them, 636 were residents (65.9%), 329 were certified radiologists (34.1%), with a mean age of 30.8 ± 3 years. Almost half of the participants had a dedicated MSK rotation/block during residency, with a duration of 3–6 months in 62.5% of cases. A dedicated period in MSK Ultrasound was present in only one-third of residency programmes; 38% of participants were expected to learn interventional MSK procedures, but only 28.2% have been actively involved in interventions during their residency. Overall, 62.7% of participants rated the quality of their MSK training as poor to average. Almost all (93.1%) thought that MSK training could be improved in their residency, especially ultrasound practice (80.7%) and MRI reporting (71.1%). Conclusions There are significant inconsistencies in the structure of MSK training offered by different Countries. Radiology trainees are showing substantial interest in MSK training, which necessitates strategic investments to standardise and enhance its quality.

SonoGames: sounds of the right kind introducing gamification into radiology training

Background Radiology as compared to other fields of medicine has lagged, in incorporating modern training modalities such as gamification and simulation into its teaching curriculum. Objective This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of simulation-based teaching in collaboration with gamification. Bandura’s conception of self-efficacy was used to provide qualitative assessment of participants’ learning process through training event. Modified competitive game-based teaching methodology was utilized in an experimental study conducted for radiology residents. Workshop was divided into two sessions, first being three interactive didactic lectures followed by three competitive rounds. All participants were required to fill pre and post-self-efficacy questionnaire along with an activity evaluation form. Results Significant self-efficacy scores were calculated for simulation-based stations of knowledge assessment and hands-on stations. Whereas significant association was also found between gender and knowledge assessment in communication skill (0.054), Professionalism (0.004), and general knowledge (0.018). Similarly, noteworthy correlation was found between gender and all hands-on skills. In conclusion, study reported an overall increase in knowledge of post-test scores compared to pre-test scores due to use of gamification in combination with simulation-based teaching which shows a positive role in clinical training. However, further consideration is needed to improve process of integrating simulation in clinical training of participants.

Radiology subspecialisation in Africa: A review of the current status

Background: Radiology subspecialisation is well-established in much of Europe, North America, and Australasia. It is a natural evolution of the radiology speciality catalysed by multiple factors.Objectives: The aim of this article is to analyse and provide an overview of the current status of radiology subspecialisation in African countries.Methods: We reviewed English-language articles, reports, and other documents on radiology specialisation and subspecialisation in Africa.Results: There are 54 sovereign countries in Africa (discounting disputed territories). Eighteen African countries with well-established radiology residency training were assessed for the availability of formal subspecialisation training locally. Eight (Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Tunisia) out of the 18 countries have local subspecialist training programmes. Data and/or information on subspecialisation were unavailable for three (Algeria, Libya, and Senegal) of the 18 countries. Paediatric Radiology (Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia) and Interventional Radiology (Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania) were the most frequently available subspecialist training programmes. Except Tanzania, all the countries with subspecialisation training programmes have ≥ 100 radiologists in their workforce.Conclusion: There is limited availability of subspecialist radiology training programmes in African countries. Alternative models of subspecialist radiology training are suggested to address this deficit.

Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Image Synthesis with Contrast-Aware Generative Adversarial Networks

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam typically consists of the acquisition of multiple MR pulse sequences, which are required for a reliable diagnosis. With the rise of generative deep learning models, approaches for the synthesis of MR images are developed to either synthesize additional MR contrasts, generate synthetic data, or augment existing data for AI training. While current generative approaches allow only the synthesis of specific sets of MR contrasts, we developed a method to generate synthetic MR images with adjustable image contrast. Therefore, we trained a generative adversarial network (GAN) with a separate auxiliary classifier (AC) network to generate synthetic MR knee images conditioned on various acquisition parameters (repetition time, echo time, and image orientation). The AC determined the repetition time with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 239.6 ms, the echo time with an MAE of 1.6 ms, and the image orientation with an accuracy of 100%. Therefore, it can properly condition the generator network during training. Moreover, in a visual Turing test, two experts mislabeled 40.5% of real and synthetic MR images, demonstrating that the image quality of the generated synthetic and real MR images is comparable. This work can support radiologists and technologists during the parameterization of MR sequences by previewing the yielded MR contrast, can serve as a valuable tool for radiology training, and can be used for customized data generation to support AI training.