Subspecialized medical team mode facilitates radiology resident training

Purpose

Our institution developed the subspecialized medical team (SMT) mode in radiology reporting workflows in July 2022 to strengthen professionalism in radiology residency training. This study aimed to investigate whether adopting the SMT mode facilitated radiology resident training.

Method

This observational study was conducted in October 2022. An online questionnaire was distributed among first-to third-year radiology residents to determine their levels of perceived stress, anxiety, competency in image interpretation, and learning effectiveness in using the SMT mode and other approaches. Responses were on 4 or 5 point Likert scales, and multiple-choice responses were used for semi-open questions. The turnaround time for radiology reports was measured for both residents and senior radiologists. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was determined using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, one-way analysis of variance, pairwise t-tests, and the Kruskal‒Wallis H test.

Results

In total, 71 residents completed the questionnaire survey. The turnaround times for radiology reports were collected for these residents and 23 senior radiologists. Residents' stress and anxiety scores, perceived levels of competency in image interpretation, and time spent writing reports were significantly increased in the SMT mode. In contrast, the time senior radiologists spent reviewing a single report was decreased for the majority of report types after 1 year of implementing the SMT mode.

Conclusion

These findings suggest adopting the SMT mode could facilitate the training of radiology residents. However, residents' mental health and well-being should also be considered.