Incorporating electronic media into medical student education: a survey of AMSER members on computer and web use in radiology courses. Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to define the current use of information technology in radiology tutorials for medical students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a Web-based survey of directors of medical school courses in radiology. The survey dealt with the details of the courses and the use of computers and the Web during the courses.

RESULTS

There were 48 responses. Most radiology courses were elective (73%) and were offered monthly. Most institutions (79%) had picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) available or were completely filmless. The teaching case presentations, however, often included film images displayed on a view box or by an overhead projector. Computers dedicated to student use were uncommon (28%). The Web was used infrequently as a teaching resource, and a Web site was not available in most courses. Computer technical support was variable and usually provided by the course director. Course directors at institutions with PACS were more likely to use digital technology for case presentations and more likely to use the Web for teaching purposes.

CONCLUSION

Despite the widespread use of digital technology and PACS in the field of radiology, digital technology is underused in radiology courses. However, departments with PACS tend to use digital technology more frequently in education than do departments without PACS.