Current Research Projects-Diagnostic Radiology Experience

Can a Hybrid Simulator Mitigate the Unevenness of Diagnostic Radiology Training Experience In the Management of Iodinated Radiologic Contrast Media Reaction?Bhavika Patel BS, William Berger MD, Elizabeth Krupinski PhD, Alyson Knapp BS, Allan Hamilton MD, Robert Gatenby MD

Radiologic contrast mediated (RCM) reactions are rare, but potentially life-threatening.
Therefore, when an IV contrast allergy reaction does occur, prompt diagnosis and correct
treatment are crucial for survival of the patient.

Radiologists need to be prepared to treat contrast reactions, particularly if one occurs at an outpatient imagining center where access to support services is limited. Consequently, there is considerable interest in the use of simulators to train radiologists in this critical competency.

One of the main benefits of simulation is the ability to reproduce low-frequency, high-impact clinical events for residents and thereby standardize otherwise uneven training experiences.

View a PDF of the poster presented at the 7th Annual International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare in Orlando, Jan. 14-17, 2007.

MEDIA COVERAGE:

Medical Simulation Hailed as Next Revolution in Radiology Training
(April 2007)

The April edition of The Radiological Society of North America News featured the partnership between ASTEC and the UA Dept. of Radiology.

"The whole scenario, including the intubation procedure, was extremely realistic, said Elizabeth A. Krupinski, Ph.D., a research professor in the Department of Radiology Research at U.A. “You could see the resident’s stress levels rising,” said Dr. Krupinski, who designed the training with William Berger, M.D., director of U.A.’s Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program. Each session is videotaped and reviewed with the resident performing the simulated procedures. The resident then receives more training to correct mistakes and then repeats the simulation."

View a PDF of the April RSNA news
(ASTEC article starts on page 5)