Innovative Educational Program to Aid Clinical Vessel Wall MR Imaging Interpretation among Neuroradiologists

SUMMARY:

Innovations that introduce new knowledge domains face greater barriers to adoption, often requiring investment in infrastructure, training/education, and cultural change. Sustaining and scaling an advanced clinical vessel wall MR imaging program requires technical resources and subspecialized neuroradiologists with advanced cerebrovascular expertise. A multifaceted educational program, including lectures, reporting templates, and an online resource, was implemented within a large academic Neuroradiology Division to address neuroradiology workforce readiness. Seven faculty “superusers” interested in cerebrovascular imaging were identified to facilitate case discussions and provide daily support for colleagues, clinicians, and MR technologists. Impact was assessed through a 12-month pre-/postintervention survey measuring confidence levels in evaluating vessel wall MR imaging examination appropriateness (a), assessing image quality (b), and diagnostic interpretations (c). Results showed division-wide increases in self-reported confidence and statistically significant increases among the superusers. These results show that a structured, expert-led peer-support model can enhance clinical readiness and sustain advanced imaging programs.