MRI Artifact Detection: Schematic Design in Perceptual Training for Radiological Board Exam Preparation
Preceptor: Erin Gomez, M.D., Assistant Professor of Radiology and Radiological Science
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Advisor: Jeff Day, M.D., M.A., Assistant Professor of Art as Applied to Medicine
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Give me the elevator pitch!
For radiology residents preparing to take their first board exam, called the CORE exam, there is significant focus on identifying imaging anomalies, called artifacts. The largest proportion of imaging modality exam questions relates to magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. With that, we focused on creating simplified, or schematic images of common MRI artifacts on the CORE exam to help residents more easily visualize and perceive the features of these anomalies.
Our IRB-approved study revealed that our schematic images were successful for helping students learn about and recognize MRI artifacts. So, we’re planning to share our visual learning module on TeamRads.com, a Hopkins website that anyone can access for radiology education.
How did you test your schematic images?
The study team created an IRB-approved, online Qualtrics survey and distributed it to medical students and radiology residents in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM). Study participants were randomized to interact with only the schematic images, only the MRI images, or a combination of the two image types. The survey incorporated a pre-test and post-test to assess the impact of the schematic MRI artifact images on learning.
MRI image
MRI image + Schematic image
Schematic image
What did you find?
Of the 98 participants we surveyed, there was no significant difference in pre/post-test performance and engagement survey feedback across all three test conditions, which suggests that studying schematic images could be equally as useful as studying from MRI images. Moreover, participants experienced an average pre- to post-test score increase of 4 to 5 points! (For context, the quiz had 18 questions that were worth 1 point for each correct answer!)
Participants praised the resource for its use of concise and manageable visuals and explanations. Respondents suggested adding more MRI artifact image examples for additional reference and a create a glossary for radiology terminology that could accommodate beginner learners.
Did you make updates and/or extra content based on the project’s outcome?
Yes, we’re currently working on it! We used the insights collected from the study and the content from the Qualtrics pre-and-post-tests to design an interactive quiz that will be made using Unity. Additionally, we also incorporated our artifact image media into a downloadable PDF reference sheet and Anki deck for students to review for their CORE Exam study needs.
These resources will be hosted on teamrads.com, JHUSOM’s open education radiology website. Concept art of the Unity quiz can be viewed in the following images, along with a Unity Play link to the finished learning module.
I am also adapting the thesis for submission to the Journal of the American College of Radiology (JACR)! We’re excited to communicate our findings to an audience of radiology experts and educators.
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