Effectiveness of four hours of education in interpretation of radiographicstudies

Clinicians working with oropharyngeal swallowing disorders often use videof luoroscopy to define their patients' swallowing abnormalities. This study e xamined the effect of 4 hours of training in the identification of head and neck anatomy and oropharyngeal swallowing disorders viewed radiographicall y. Ninety clinicians particiapted in a 5-hour session which included 30-min ute pre- and post-tests requiring identification of head and neck anatomy a nd oropharyngeal swallowing disorders and a 4-hour training period. Results showed significant improvement in identification of both radiographic anat omy and swallowing disorders. The change in pre- and post-test measures was negatively correlated with extent of prior experience in dysphagia. Simila r studies are needed with clinicians or students inexperienced in dysphagia to define the number of hours of education needed in order for students to reach a desired accuracy level in their identifications.