Recognition and treatment of reactions to contrast media: a model for resident and faculty education employing lectures and case scenario workshops.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of an interactive course on the recognition and treatment of contrast media reactions was studied.

METHODS

An instructional course on contrast media reactions was organized for the radiology staff, residents, and nurses. Before the beginning of the 3-day course, a 25-point pretest was administered to determine the ability of each participant to recognize and treat contrast material reactions. An identical posttest was administered after the course, and the pre- and posttest results were compared.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement on the posttest scores for all subjects tested (P < .05). There was also a substantial improvement in the participants' confidence levels in dealing with contrast media reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

A short course on contrast material reactions is a worthwhile learning aid that is simple to conduct and educates and instills confidence in both residents and staff.