Distance learning in the digital environment

The expansion of radiology departments and divisions often can not occur in adjacent geographic locations. This leads to a greater separation of staff and residents, as well as workers in similar divisions. This makes traditi onal teaching difficult in academic institutions. The economic drive forcin g many departments to investigate more isolated outpatient imaging centers has further hindered the ability to continue effective academic training at many facilities. The ability to easily share a digital environment across physical distance can greatly enhance the teaching experience, as well as b e a valuable tool for consultation and case discussion with referring clini cians. The transition to a filmless environment with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) can be utilized for distance learning in addit ion to the clinical arena. It is possible to take advantage of the digital transformation to PACS and case-viewing browser programs to conduct improve d interactions with referring clinicians as well as radiologic teaching wit h relatively minimal hardware and software demands. The integration of web- based teleradiology programs with business networking software can be used for effective distance learning in the digital environment, sufficiently cl osing the distance on our rapidly expanding departments. This same technolo gy allows for greater interaction with referring clinicians for real-time c onsultation and enhanced case discussion to entrench a supportive referral base for the radiologic community. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Comp any.