No abstract

No abstract

Magnetic resonance is an imaging modality that implies a high complexity for radiographers. Despite some simulators having been developed for training purposes, we are not aware of any attempt to quantitatively measure their educational performance. The present study gives an answer to the question: Does an MRI simulator built on specific functional and non-functional requirements help radiographers learn MRI theoretical and practical concepts better than traditional educational method based on lectures? Our study was carried out in a single day by a total of 60 students of a main hospital in Madrid, Spain. The experiment followed a randomized pre-test post-test design with a control group that used a traditional educational method, and an experimental group that used our simulator. Knowledge level was assessed by means of an instrument with evidence of validity in its format and content, while its reliability was analyzed after the experiment. Statistical differences between both groups were measured. Significant statistical differences were found in favor of the participants who used the simulator for both the post-test score and the gain (difference between post-test and pre-test scores). The effect size turned out to be significant as well. In this work we evaluated a magnetic resonance simulation paradigm as a tool to help in the training of radiographers. The study shows that a simulator built on specific design requirements is a valuable complement to traditional education procedures, backed up with significant quantitative results.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most powerful medical imaging modalities available. From an educational perspective, MRI faces a difficult challenge. Operating an MRI scanner is a complicated task due to the fact that it is based on advanced concepts borrowed from physics. A large number of parameters are involved and hands-on training for practitioners is usually scarce due to the high costs of the equipment and the increasing clinical demands, which make MRI scanners intensively exploited facilities. In this context, the development of computerized simulations for MRI seems a natural alternative. This chapter reports an actual experience on the creation and evolution of an MRI simulator for educational purposes, thus obtaining an increasingly refined set of functional and usability requirements that such a system must fulfill in order to make an impact in MRI education, quantifying the usefulness of the simulator in realistic settings and providing technological solutions and strategies to overcome its limitations.