Abstract
Purpose :
Neuroradiology is essential for the diagnosis and timely treatment of sight and life-threatening ophthalmic conditions. When surveyed about the perceived applicability and relevance of other specialties, ophthalmology residents named radiology as the second most relevant specialty after otolaryngology. Multiple studies have shown that electronic learning modules are effective at teaching radiology concepts among trainees. Though written standardized resources exist for many ophthalmic subspecialties, no standardized materials are available for neuroradiology teaching. We developed and evaluated the utility of an online neuroradiology curriculum to teach imaging sequences, anatomy, and pattern recognition of disease among ophthalmology residents.
Methods :
An online curriculum was developed, composed of: (1) an eleven-question multiple choice pre-test questionnaire, (2) a 35-minute narrated neuroradiology teaching video module, and (3) an eleven-question multiple choice post-test questionnaire. The curriculum was distributed to 14 residency program directors across the nation for dissemination amongst trainees. Participant responses were anonymous. Completion of all pre and post-test survey questions was necessary for inclusion. Data from pre and post-test surveys was compared using a paired student T-test.
Results :
A total of 25 complete responses were included in the final analysis. Responses were gathered from residents across 5 different programs. Participants were divided across all post graduate training years: six PGY-1 residents, nine PGY-2 residents, seven PGY-3 residents, and two PGY-4 residents participated. There was a significant difference in pre-test (77%) and post-test scores (88%) after viewing of the narrated video module (p = 0.0024).
Conclusions :
Participation in an online neuroradiology curriculum improved assessment outcomes among ophthalmology trainees. A self-guided curriculum can help ophthalmology residents order the correct radiology studies, interpret their results, and diagnose ophthalmic disease based on pattern recognition. Future collaborations across residency programs will aid in further disseminating such curricula and increasing the number of participants in these educational studies.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.