2001 Joseph E. and Nancy O. Whitley Award - Teaching noninterpretive skills to radiology residents: A collaborative effort between the American College of Radiology and the Association of Program Directors in Radiology

Rationale and Objectives. The authors' purpose was to develop, implement, a nd evaluate a series of videotapes for teaching noninterpretive skills to r adiology residents. Materials and Methods. An Association of Program Directors in Radiology/Ame rican College of Radiology working group developed a series of seven videot apes to teach residents job search and contracting skills; business aspects of radiology; American College of Radiology standards, accreditation progr ams, and appropriateness criteria; critical thinking skills; ethics; servic e orientation and interpersonal skills; and medical organizational politics . Residents viewed the videotapes, evaluated the learning experience, and c ompleted both pre- and posttests. Results. From 85 to 264 residents completed each of six pre- and posttests. Mean total pretest scores ranged from 55.0% to 76.9% and improved signific antly (P < .05) to 73.8% to 94.9% on posttests. Each videotape was evaluate d by 90-336 residents using a Likert-type scale, with a rating of 5 represe nting the most positive response. The proportion of residents who gave each tape an overall rating of either 4 or 5 varied from 75.9% to 95.9%. Conclusion. Significant resident learning occurred as a result of viewing t he videotapes. Program director support of the learning experience was stro ng, and use of the videotapes as a teaching modality received strong suppor t by residents. Local moderators and question-and-answer sessions would opt imize the learning experience.