Appropriateness in imaging studies selection among emergency medicine post-graduate student in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

• Main Author: Malek, Muhammad Hanif Abdul
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: R735-854 Medical education. Medical schools. Research
• Online Access: http://eprints.usm.my/58921/1/MUHAMMAD%20HANIF%20BIN%20ABDUL%20MALEK-24%20pages.pdf; http://eprints.usm.my/58921/

Background Radiological imaging has played a significant role in evaluating patients in the emergency department (ED). Thus, emergency department personnel needs to be competent in selecting appropriate radiological imaging for the patients. Objectives This study aims to determine competency in appropriate imaging studies selection among the postgraduate students and look for association in this matter with their academic year and clinical experiences. Methods Emergency medicine postgraduate students were recruited from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and were given a set of questionnaires that consist of 10 common clinical scenarios. The questions were selected from American College of Radiology appropriateness criteria, and cross-reference was made using the local guideline. The results were then graded as a whole and stratified by academic year and clinical experiences using analysis of variance and independent T-test. Results A total of 92 respondents completed the survey. The mean of the overall correct answer was 7.61 (SD, 1.41). First to fourth year postgraduate students scored 6.88 (SD, 0.85), 7.29 (SD, 1.04), 7.23 (SD, 1.41), and 9.13 (SD, 1.13). The inferential analysis found a significant association between competency and academic year and a non-significant difference between competency and clinical experiences. Conclusion Significant improvement was noted in the competency throughout the program. However, the average score that was not perfect concludes that a more structured curriculum and familiarization towards appropriateness guidelines might help in producing a more proficient emergency physician.