title: Use of a simulation laboratory to train radiology residents in the management of acute radiologic emergencies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Simulation laboratories use realistic clinical scenarios to train physicians in a controlled environment, especially in potentially life-threatening complications that require prompt management. The objective of our study was to develop a comprehensive program using the simulation laboratory to train radiology residents in the management of acute radiologic emergencies.
  
  
  METHODS
  All radiology residents attended a dedicated simulation laboratory course lasting 3 hours, divided over two sessions. Training included basic patient management skills, management of a tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage, and contrast agent reactions. Participants were presented with 20 multiple-choice questions before and after the course. Pre- and posttest results were analyzed, and the McNemar test was used to compare correct responses by individual question.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-six radiology residents attended the class. The average pre- and posttest scores and the average difference between the scores for all residents were 13.8, 17.1, and 3.3, respectively (p < 0.0001). Incorrect answers on the pretest examination that were subsequently answered correctly concerned administration of epinephrine for severe reactions, management of a tension pneumothorax, oxygen therapy, ECG placement, cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique, and where to stand during a code situation. Persistent incorrect answers concerned vasovagal reactions and emergency telephone numbers at an off-site imaging center.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simulation laboratories can be used to teach crisis management and crisis resource management for radiology residents and should be part of the education toolbox. Defined objectives lead to a comprehensive course dealing with the management of acute radiologic emergencies. Such programs can improve the role of radiologists as members of the health care team.
authors: Department of Radiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Dr, H066, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. nsarwani@hmc.psu.edu
authors: Nabeel
authors: N
authors: Sarwani
authors: Rafel
authors: R
authors: Tappouni
authors: Donald
authors: D
authors: Flemming
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D016544:Patient Simulation; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D013664:Teaching Materials