Prostate MRI learning curves: establishing training benchmarks for radiology and urology trainees

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology Education
• Urology Training

Background:

• Prostate multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) interpretation benchmarks are undefined.
• Growing educational demands necessitate standardized training for radiology and urology trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare learning curves between radiology and urology trainees in prostate mpMRI interpretation.
• To quantify the impact of prior radiological experience on performance.
• To establish evidence-based training benchmarks.

Main Methods:

• Prospective interpretation of 200 prostate mpMRI cases by 14 trainees (radiology and urology) using a feedback platform.
• Performance metrics included PI-RADSv2.1 agreement, PI-QUALv2 image quality, extraprostatic extension (EPE) grading, and readout time.
• Learning curves modeled using generalized estimating equations and segmented regression.

Main Results:

• Learning plateaued after 69-75 cases for both groups.
• Final PI-RADSv2.1 agreement was similar between urology (80.9%) and radiology (77.4%) trainees.
• Prior radiological experience had a limited impact on performance metrics.
• Urology trainees showed higher baseline image quality and EPE grading agreement, but radiology trainees achieved similar final performance.

Conclusions:

• Feedback-based training facilitates comparable prostate mpMRI interpretation skills across specialties.
• An empirical benchmark of approximately 75 cases is established for training.
• Findings inform certification standards and early-residency curricula for radiology and urology.