Advanced Nurse Practitioner Educational Needs for Safe and Efficient Radiological Imaging

This study evaluated perceived knowledge and educational preparedness of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the area of radiological imaging, including awareness and utilization of the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria (ACR-AC). Previous studies have found a need for further education in radiological imaging for medical students, residents, and hospitalists; however, little to no research has been done to assess such knowledge and educational preparedness among APNs. An e-mail link to a researcher-developed questionnaire was sent to Florida licensed APNs. Statistical analysis used descriptive, parametric, and nonparametric methods including frequencies, percentages, and Mann-Whitney U statistics. Florida licensed APNs (n = 905) from 175 educational programs and 10 specialty areas responded to the questionnaire; 75.9% (n = 681) had never heard of the ACR-AC. Years of experience and training in acute care specialties increased perceived competency in ordering radiological tests. Results among APNs were similar to those reported from physician studies, and 92.3% of respondents (n = 829) stated that additional APN imaging education would be beneficial. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating more radiological imaging information into APN education, which could lead to a reduction in overall costs and improvement in perceived competence and knowledge of appropriate imaging utilization.