The 'overwhelmingly positive' impact of peer learning processes
Many radiologists have indicated they prefer peer learning methods over peer reviews. The results of a new survey further support that notion while also highlighting the benefits of peer learning for radiology trainees.
Substituting peer reviews for daily peer learning conferences garnered “overwhelmingly positive” feedback from radiologists and trainees after a 3-month pilot period at a large academic medical center [1]. In fact, post-implementation survey results revealed unanimous support for replacing the institution’s prior peer review (PR) tool with daily peer learning (PL) conferences.
The findings were published recently in Clinical Imaging, where experts indicated that many institutions are now leaning toward PL models in lieu of PRs, citing several pitfalls of traditional image review methods.
“These include its punitive nature and negative impact on collegiality, non-anonymized workflow leading to under-reporting of discrepancies, random case selection and low proportion of cases meriting review, and inability to foster learning and drive improvement in radiology practice,” corresponding authors of the paper Amirkasra Mojtahed, of the Department of Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and colleagues wrote, adding that PL models foster more “meaningful” participation.
During the 3-month trial period, hour-long virtual conferences within the abdominal imaging division were held daily. Participants were asked to submit cases categorized as share consult, or follow-up, with “consult” cases taking precedence over the other categories. Faculty staff were expected to submit at least one case per day, and trainees were invited to participate in the daily conferences.
A 10-question survey was distributed to participants following the trial period. Those responses indicated that the new initiative was especially beneficial in creating new learning opportunities, with 100% of faculty and 90% of trainees finding the PL conferences an effective tool for improving patient care practices and identifying interpretation errors.
Both groups reported enjoying the conferences and feeling more engaged in them compared to PRs. The conferences were also regarded as convenient and time efficient.
“All respondents indicated they had learned something new from this initiative. This adds to the body of evidence in favor of transitioning to PL from PR,” the authors shared.
The PL model was so successful that the institution has now made it a permanent part of their daily practice.
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In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.