title: Evaluating the impact of an integrated multidisciplinary head & neck competency-based anatomy & radiology teaching approach in radiation oncology: a prospective cohort study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Modern radiation oncology demands a thorough understanding of gross and cross-sectional anatomy for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Complex anatomic sites present challenges for learners and are not well-addressed in traditional postgraduate curricula. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) based head-and-neck gross and radiologic anatomy program for radiation oncology trainees was developed, piloted, and empirically assessed for efficacy and learning outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four site-specific MDT head-and-neck seminars were implemented, each involving a MDT delivering didactic and case-based instruction, supplemented by cadaveric presentations. There was no dedicated contouring instruction. Pre- and post-testing were performed to assess knowledge, and ability to apply knowledge to the clinical setting as defined by accuracy of contouring. Paired analyses of knowledge pretests and posttests were performed by Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen post-graduate trainees participated. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) mean absolute improvement of 4.6 points (17.03%) was observed between knowledge pretest and posttest scores. Contouring accuracy was analyzed quantitatively by comparing spatial overlap of participants' pretest and posttest contours with a gold standard through the dice similarity coefficient. A statistically significant improvement in contouring accuracy was observed for 3 out of 20 anatomical structures. Qualitative and quantitative feedback revealed that participants were more confident at contouring and were enthusiastic towards the seminars.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MDT seminars were associated with improved knowledge scores and resident satisfaction; however, increased gross and cross-sectional anatomic knowledge did not translate into improvements in contouring accuracy. Further research should evaluate the impact of hands-on contouring sessions in addition to dedicated instructional sessions to develop competencies.
authors: Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada. ldsouza6@alumni.uwo.ca.
authors: Leah
authors: L
authors: D'Souza
authors: Jasbir
authors: J
authors: Jaswal
authors: Francis
authors: F
authors: Chan
authors: Marjorie
authors: M
authors: Johnson
authors: Keng Yeow
authors: KY
authors: Tay
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Fung
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Palma
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006257:Head / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009333:Neck / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000193:education*; D011859:Radiography; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*