title: Evaluating the impact of a Canadian national anatomy and radiology contouring boot camp for radiation oncology residents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiation therapy treatment planning has advanced over the past 2 decades, with increased emphasis on 3-dimensional imaging for target and organ-at-risk (OAR) delineation. Recent studies suggest a need for improved resident instruction in this area. We developed and evaluated an intensive national educational course ("boot camp") designed to provide dedicated instruction in site-specific anatomy, radiology, and contouring using a multidisciplinary (MDT) approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  The anatomy and radiology contouring (ARC) boot camp was modeled after prior single-institution pilot studies and a needs-assessment survey. The boot camp incorporated joint lectures from radiation oncologists, anatomists, radiologists, and surgeons, with hands-on contouring instruction and small group interactive seminars using cadaveric prosections and correlative axial radiographs. Outcomes were evaluated using pretesting and posttesting, including anatomy/radiology multiple-choice questions (MCQ), timed contouring sessions (evaluated relative to a gold standard using Dice similarity metrics), and qualitative questions on satisfaction and perceived effectiveness. Analyses of pretest versus posttest scores were performed using nonparametric paired testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-nine radiation oncology residents from 10 Canadian universities participated. As part of their current training, 29%, 75%, and 21% receive anatomy, radiology, and contouring instruction, respectively. On posttest scores, the MCQ knowledge scores improved significantly (pretest mean 60% vs posttest mean 80%, P<.001). Across all contoured structures, there was a 0.20 median improvement in students' average Dice score (P<.001). For individual structures, significant Dice improvements occurred in 10 structures. Residents self-reported an improved ability to contour OARs and interpret radiographs in all anatomic sites, 92% of students found the MDT format effective for their learning, and 93% found the boot camp more effective than educational sessions at their own institutions. All of the residents (100%) would recommend this course to others.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ARC boot camp is an effective intervention for improving radiation oncology residents' knowledge and understanding of anatomy and radiology in addition to enhancing their confidence and accuracy in contouring.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Jasbir
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jaswal
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Leah
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: D'Souza
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Marjorie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, London Health Sciences, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: KengYeow
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tay
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fung
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, London Health Sciences, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Landis
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Kassam
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Willmore
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: D'Souza
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sexton
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: david.palma@lhsc.on.ca.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Palma
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D058958:Organs at Risk / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018787:Radiation Oncology / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D011859:Radiography; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education