2001 Joseph E. and Nancy O. Whitley Award. Teaching noninterpretive skills to radiology residents: a collaborative effort between the American College of Radiology and the Association of Program Directors in Radiology.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors' purpose was to develop, implement, and evaluate a series of videotapes for teaching noninterpretive skills to radiology residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Association of Program Directors in Radiology/American College of Radiology working group developed a series of seven videotapes to teach residents job search and contracting skills; business aspects of radiology; American College of Radiology standards, accreditation programs, and appropriateness criteria; critical thinking skills; ethics; service orientation and interpersonal skills; and medical organizational politics. Residents viewed the videotapes, evaluated the learning experience, and completed both pre- and posttests. RESULTS: From 85 to 264 residents completed each of six pre- and posttests. Mean total pretest scores ranged from 55.0% to 76.9% and improved significantly (P < .05) to 73.8% to 94.9% on posttests. Each videotape was evaluated by 90-336 residents using a Likert-type scale, with a rating of 5 representing the most positive response. The proportion of residents who gave each tape an overall rating of either 4 or 5 varied from 75.9% to 95.9%. CONCLUSION: Significant resident learning occurred as a result of viewing the videotapes. Program director support of the learning experience was strong, and use of the videotapes as a teaching modality received strong support by residents. Local moderators and question-and-answer sessions would optimize the learning experience.