JACR: Survey shows radiology education going mobile
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“There is considerable use of online and electronic resources and mobile devices among the current generation of radiology residents,” wrote Aiham C. Korbage, MD, and Harprit S. Bedi, MD, of the department of radiology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. “Tablet technology has the potential to enhance the way radiology is studied and taught."
A total of 308 participants took part in the survey, which was conducted from June 13 to July 5, 2011. Based on 2011 National Resident Matching Program data, the authors estimated the survey’s sample to be about 9 percent of all radiology residents.
Results showed 74 percent of residents owned smart phones, and 37 percent owned a tablet device, with Apple’s iPad owned by 33 percent, by far the leading tablet device. Of those who owned a mobile device, 68 percent used it for studying radiology. iPad owners were more likely to use their device for studying compared with residents who owned other non-iPad devices.
When asked if they would spend more time studying radiology if provided with a mobile tablet device, 81 percent of respondents said yes, according to Korbage and Bedi.
“There are several advantages to mobile devices compared with textbooks,” wrote the authors. “Tablets and other mobile devices obviate the need to carry around journals and bulky textbooks. It also makes it easier to study during travel or at the workstation. This is particularly true as free Wi-Fi connections are becoming more available.”
Many radiology resources which were previously confined to textbooks are now available electronically such as Brant & Helm’s Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology and Dahnert’s Radiology Review Manual, according to the authors. Other electronic resources, such as STATdx and the American College of Radiology’s Case in Point were used by more than 60 percent of respondents. “A quick search in Apple's App Store under ‘radiology’ brings up [at least] 65 radiology-specific applications, ranging from books and anatomy atlases to online radiology journals.”
When asked about book funds or education stipends, 14 percent said no funds were provided, 21 percent received less than $400 per year and 65 percent received more than $400 per year. Korbage and Bedi noted that less than half of those who received stipends said the funds could be used on educational electronic devices such as tablets. “Although cost may be a deterrent, providing each resident with a tablet device may prove more cost effective over a four-year residency,” wrote Korbage and Bedi.
Evan Godt, Writer
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.