1. Introduction Results Materials and Methods Conclusions References
The effect of a digital chest image interpretation training tool on interpreter performance
1L McLaughlin, 1S McFadden, 2R Bond, 3J McConnell, 4N Woznitza, 2A Cairns, 3A Elsayed, 2D Finlay, 1C Hughes
1Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Technologies, Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Health Sciences, Ulster University (Northern Ireland)
2Computer Science Research Institute, School of Computing and Mathematics, Ulster University (Northern Ireland)
3Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, (Scotland)
4Radiology Department, Homerton University Hopsital; School of Allied Health Professions, Canterbury Christ Church University (England)
Introduction
There has been no research to date evaluating eye tracking training guides or validating the use of training guides in chest image interpretation[1,2,3,4]. Hence, there is no reliable data measuring interpreter competency, pre and post implementation of a training guide[6]. Using eye tracking technology and expert input we aim to provide reporting clinicians with a research informed training package for use in chest image interpretation and to test its effect on user performance.
Results
The intervention group achieved more true positives (p=0.033) and fewer false positives (p=0.024) following the intervention. The control group demonstrated no statistically significant changes following the nine month test period. Use of the tool fluctuated over the nine month period. Four of the five intervention participants used the tool over the nine month period.
Materials and Methods
A digital training platform has been developed to include: A) a search strategy training tool to assist reporters during their interpretation of images and B) an educational tool to communicate the search strategies to trainees using eye tracking technology.
The search strategy comprises of a series of questions and prompts to guide the user to exclude pathologies, systematically search the image and form a diagnosis[5,6]. A combination of open and closed questions, diagrams and guidelines point out areas on the image that the observer should interpret to complete the checklists within the pro-forma.
The educational tool consists of videos comprising of expert eye gazes and scan paths recorded during chest image interpretation and collected whilst the expert used the search strategy training tool.
Radiographers who were beginning their training in chest image reporting were recruited to complete the study. Participants within the intervention group had unlimited access to the training tool for nine months, whilst those in the control group had no access to the tool. Participants were tested on the interpretation of 20 images pre and post the nine month period (n=240)[6].
Conclusions
Use of the digital platform significantly improved image interpretation performance for participants within the intervention group. This tool, which was developed to aid chest image interpretation, could be a valuable tool in the training of reporting clinicians.
References
[1] Health Education England (The Society and College of Radiographers) (2010) Interpretation of Radiological Images [eLearning for Healthcare], [online]. Available: [27/07/16].
[2] Sonnex, E.P., Tasker, A.D. and Coulden, R.A. (2001) The role of preliminary interpretation of chest radiographs by radiographers in the management of acute medical problems within a cardiothoracic centre. British Journal of Radiology, 74(879),
[3] Tamaklo, E. (2012) Can e-learning improve medical student’s ability to interpret chest x-rays in comparison with electronic text? Poster session presented at: ASME Annual Scientific Meeting
[4] The Royal College of Radiologists, (2011). Standards for the Reporting and Interpretation of Imaging Investigations [Clinical Radiology], [online]. Available: [13/04/16].
[5] Hughes, H., Hughes, K. and Hamill, R. (1996) A study to evaluate the introduction of a pattern recognition technique for chest radiographs by radiographers. Radiography, 2(4), p.
[6] Woznitza N, Piper K, Burke S, Patel K, Amin S, Grayson K, Bothamley G. (2014) Adult chest radiograph reporting by radiographers: preliminary data from an in-house audit programme. Radiography, 20(3):223-9.
ulster.ac.uk