Cost analysis and feasibility of high-fidelity simulation based radiology contrast reaction curriculum

Radiology residents have variable training in managing acute nonrenal adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media because of their rarity. Preliminary results show positive feedback and knowledge gain with high-fidelity simulation-based training. Financial costs and the time required to implement a high-fidelity simulation curriculum are higher than for a lecture series. The objective of this study was to provide a financial and time cost-benefit analysis for high-fidelity simulation training of acute adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media.

Forty-four radiology residents were divided into lecture and simulation groups. Five simulation scenarios were created, with core education content mirrored in the lecture. Lengths of faculty time commitment and resident training were recorded. Financial costs, including manikin and simulation facility rates, were recorded and divided by the number of residents to obtain per resident simulation and lecture costs. A written evaluation of the experience, with Likert-type items and unstructured response items, was conducted.

Cost per resident for simulation training setup was $259.76, and $203.46 for subsequent years, compared to <$5 for lecture. Faculty time was 7 academic days for simulation versus 2 days for lecture format. Resident simulation commitment was 3 hours 30 minutes. Time to train technologists to run the simulation was 3 hours. All residents provided positive feedback regarding the simulation curriculum, with mean feedback scores statistically higher than lecture group (P < .05).

This study illustrates that financial costs of implementation are low compared to the potential cost of morbidity associated with the life-threatening event of an acute adverse reaction to iodinated contrast media.