Rationale and objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the ability of medical trainees to choose appropriate diagnostic imaging studies for patients with various clinical indications.
Materials and methods: Twelve clinical scenarios were excerpted from the 2000 edition of the American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria and arranged in multiple-choice question format. Summary answers based on the criteria were written. The questionnaire and answer key were placed online and linked; the answer key was viewable only after all 12 answers were submitted by the trainee. An invitation to participate in the online survey was forwarded to medical house staff.
Results: Sixty-five (43.3%) of 150 potential respondents completed the survey. The results were tabulated for all respondents and separately for each postgraduate-year class. Fewer than 50% of the respondents correctly answered more than half of the 12 questions. The average number of questions answered correctly by 1st-year residents was 7.02; by 2nd-year residents, 7.5; and by 3rd-year residents, 7.9.
Conclusion: Medical house staff are not adequately prepared to choose appropriate imaging examinations for specific indications. Improvements in education could prevent inappropriate use of radiology resources. Imaging centers might want to consider developing online catalogs to assist clinicians in choosing appropriate imaging tests.