Post-COVID Pandemic Radiology Resident Readout Best Practices: An Institutional Needs Assessment and Initial...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Radiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic prompted changes in radiology resident readout practices, with a shift towards virtual and asynchronous methods.
• The long-term impact of these pandemic-era practices on resident education remains unclear.
• There is a need to assess the effectiveness and implementation of structured readout best practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement institutional Readout Best Practices for radiology residents.
• To assess the impact of these best practices on resident education and faculty teaching methods.
• To identify challenges and opportunities for optimizing radiology readout workflows.

Main Methods:

• Conducted voluntary, anonymous needs assessment surveys for radiology residents and faculty.
• Developed a Readout Best Practices guide based on survey results.
• Administered pre- and post-implementation surveys to faculty and residents to assess changes.

Main Results:

• Needs assessment indicated a preference for a hybrid readout model (in-person and asynchronous).
• Post-implementation, no significant change in overall readout methods was reported by residents or faculty.
• However, 56% of faculty and 50% of residents who reviewed the guide reported adopting changes to their educational practices.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of Readout Best Practices led to individual practice adjustments despite no shift in reported readout styles.
• Challenges in balancing clinical volumes, education, and resident wellness were identified.
• Further research is needed to understand the ongoing evolution of post-pandemic radiology readout practices.