Impact of a digital training platform and tailored education on the chest image interpretation performance of healthcare professionals

Introduction

With the use of expert consensus a digital training tool was developed which proved useful when teaching radiographers how to interpret chest images. The training tool included A) a search strategy and B) an educational video programme to communicate the search strategies using eye tracking technology.

Methods

A multi-reader multi-case study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of a training tool and study day. The interventions were designed to cover a range of potential pathological presentations. Participants, physiotherapists and nurse practitioners working at a cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (ICU), were asked to interpret 20 chest images at the beginning of the study and following access to each intervention. Participants received access to the training tool at different times for a period of 4–6 weeks. A study day was then be provided to all participants and interpretations of a different dataset were completed by all. Each participant was asked to complete a questionnaire to gain perceptions of the training provided.

Results

Twenty-eight participants interpreted a total of 1680 chest radiographs. Improvements in specificity were noted across the participants. Sensitivity fell in both groups following both training interventions.

Conclusion

Face to face learning and digital components are potentially useful in professional development and revision in chest x-ray interpretation for non-medical healthcare professionals working in an ICU setting.

Implications for practice

The training tool and study day may be useful as image interpretation revision aids or to accompany formal methods of education.