Radiology knowledge in new medical graduates in New Zealand

To establish the level of knowledge of new medical graduates in New Zealand about common radiological investigations and to assess their ability to request most appropriate, cost-effective radiological investigations for common clinical scenarios.

A test was developed and administered in Waikato, Christchurch, Rotorua, Auckland, and Dunedin hospitals during the first month of new house officer year (November 2002).

Sixty-two first year house officers participated; 59 were New Zealand medical graduates (Auckland: 24 and Otago: 35) and 3 were from overseas institutions. The mean score for questions that assessed about risks involved in common investigations, including radiation, was 47% (95% CI: 45%-49%). The mean score for selecting the appropriate clinical investigations was 53% (95% CI 52%-54%). Most significantly, only 42% (95% CI 38%-46%) of the respondents thought they had adequate radiology teaching to work as house officers. The following percentage of the respondents never observed the respective examination during their medical school training: barium enema 72% (95% CI: 60%-82%); IVU 75% (95% CI: 63%-87%); US scan 25% (95% CI: 16%-37%); CT scan 20% (95% CI: 11%-32%); angiogram 16% (95% CI: 9%-28%); MRI 42% (95% CI: 30%-54%). The mean score for the practical knowledge about common investigations was 50 (95% CI: 48%-52%).

Medical students report that they have limited exposure to radiology teaching during their medical school training. The test results suggest that medical school training enabled them to commence their probationary year with a 'just safe' level of radiology knowledge and skill.