Department of Medical Imaging, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.
Courtois CMR Research Group at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
J Am Coll Radiol. 2024 Aug;21(8):1222-1234. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2024.04.026. Epub 2024 May 17.
Access to MRI in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains among the poorest in the world. The lack of skilled MRI personnel exacerbates access gaps, reinforcing long-standing health disparities. The Scan With Me (SWiM) program aims to sustainably create a network of highly skilled MRI technologists in LMICs who will facilitate the transfer of MRI knowledge and skills to their peers and contribute to the implementation of highly valuable imaging protocols for effective clinical and research use.
The program introduces a case-based curriculum designed using a novel train-the-trainer approach, integrated with peer-collaborative learning to upskill practicing MRI technologists in LMICs. The 6-week curriculum uses the teach-try-use approach, which combines self-paced didactic lectures covering the basics of MR image acquisition (teach) with hands-on expert-guided scanning experience (try) and the implementation of protocols tailored to provide the best possible images on their infrastructures (use). Each program includes research translation skills training using an established advanced MRI technique relevant to LMICs. A pilot program focused on cardiac MRI (CMR) was conducted to assess the program's curriculum, delivery, and evaluation methods.
Forty-three MRI technologists from 16 LMICs participated in the pilot CMR program and, over the course of the training, implemented optimized CMR protocols that reduced acquisition times while improving image quality. The training resources and scanner-specific standardized protocols are published openly for public use in an online repository. In general, at the end of the program, learners reported considerable improvements in CMR knowledge and skills. All respondents to the program evaluation survey agreed to recommend the program to their colleagues, while 87% indicated interest in returning to help train others.
The SWiM program is the first master class in MRI acquisition for practicing imaging technologists in LMICs. The program holds the potential to help reduce disparities in MRI expertise and access. The support of the MRI community, imaging societies, and funding agencies will increase its reach and further its impact in democratizing MRI.
在中低收入国家（LMICs），磁共振成像（MRI）的获取仍然是全世界最差的。缺乏熟练的 MRI 人员加剧了获取差距，加剧了长期存在的健康差距。Scan With Me（SWiM）计划旨在可持续地在 LMICs 中建立一个由高技能 MRI 技术人员组成的网络，这些技术人员将促进向同行传授 MRI 知识和技能，并为实施高价值的成像协议以实现有效的临床和研究用途做出贡献。
该计划采用一种新的培训师培训方法引入了基于案例的课程，该方法与同行协作学习相结合，以提高 LMICs 中实践 MRI 技术人员的技能。该 6 周课程采用 teach-try-use 方法，该方法将涵盖 MR 图像采集基础知识的自学课程（teach）与专家指导的实际扫描经验（try）相结合，并实施针对其基础设施提供最佳图像的量身定制的协议（use）。每个计划都包括使用与 LMICs 相关的既定先进 MRI 技术进行研究翻译技能培训。进行了一项心脏 MRI（CMR）试点计划，以评估该计划的课程、交付和评估方法。
来自 16 个 LMICs 的 43 名 MRI 技术人员参加了试点 CMR 计划，并在培训过程中实施了优化的 CMR 协议，这些协议缩短了采集时间，同时提高了图像质量。培训资源和特定于扫描仪的标准化协议在在线存储库中公开发布供公众使用。一般来说，在计划结束时，学习者报告说他们在 CMR 知识和技能方面有了相当大的提高。对计划评估调查的所有答复者都同意将该计划推荐给他们的同事，而 87%的人表示有兴趣回来帮助培训其他人。
SWiM 计划是针对 LMICs 中从事成像技术的实践成像技术人员的第一次 MRI 采集大师班。该计划有可能有助于减少 MRI 专业知识和获取方面的差距。MRI 社区、成像学会和资助机构的支持将扩大其范围，并进一步扩大其在民主化 MRI 方面的影响力。
