Learning outcomes from a computer-based CT simulation tool

Project summary

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) provides a significantly higher radiation dose to the patient than conventional x-rays do. In recent years, increased use of CT has led to increased radiation dose to the population from medical radiation. This has caused concern among the Nordic radiation protection authorities, and they emphasize the importance of carrying out the investigations in accordance with the ALARA principle. Radiographers with adequate knowledge about scan parameters’ effect on image quality and patient dose is crucial to ensure compliance with the ALARA principle. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which radiography students learned from a computer-based CT simulation tool.

Method: First- and second-year radiography students answered a questionnaire designed to measure knowledge of scan parameters' effect on quantities of patient dose and image quality (pre-test). The intervention consisted of a forty-five minute individual interactive learning session utilizing the computer-based CT simulation tool. The port-test was conducted one day after intervention, and a follow-up two weeks after. Twenty-two second-year students and eleven first-year student completed the pre-test, the intervention the post-test and the follow-up test. We plan to repeat the intervention among a new cohort of first-year students spring 2020.