Image interpretation: Experiences from a Singapore in-house education program

The aim of this study is to take a longitudinal approach to assess the value of an in-house program developed in a Singapore hospital over a two year period.

Radiographers (n = 48) consented to take part in the study. The control group (CG: n = 40) continued with normal working practice whilst the remaining 'additional training group' (ATG: n = 8) participated in the hospital's in-house image interpretation program. Upon completion, all participants were assessed using a RadBench^® test bank. All participants then continued to work in their normal clinical practice; however the ATG received regular peer support to reinforce learning and aid further development. One year later, the same populations were invited to sit another RadBench^® assessment.

The mean accuracy of both groups was very similar at phase one (70v71%). The ATG demonstrated higher mean sensitivity (83v72%) but the CG higher mean specificity (68v56%). One year later, with continued mentor support, the ATG demonstrated a marked improvement in mean accuracy over CG (86v70%) largely driven by a marked increase in mean specificity from 56 to 87%. 43% of the ATG could deliver exceptional standards for accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, ready and able to provide reliable preliminary clinical evaluation, versus none of the CG.

In-house programmes could be a cost effective approach to skills development and ideally suited to preceptorship and new employee orientation in order to assess, develop and monitor image interpretation performance.