Magnetic Resonance Simulation in Education: Quantitative Evaluation of an Actual Classroom Experience.

Magnetic resonance is an imaging modality that implies a high complexity for radiographers. Despite some simulators having been developed for training purposes, we are not aware of any attempt to quantitatively measure their educational performance. The present study gives an answer to the question: Does an MRI simulator built on specific functional and non-functional requirements help radiographers learn MRI theoretical and practical concepts better than traditional educational method based on lectures? Our study was carried out in a single day by a total of 60 students of a main hospital in Madrid, Spain. The experiment followed a randomized pre-test post-test design with a control group that used a traditional educational method, and an experimental group that used our simulator. Knowledge level was assessed by means of an instrument with evidence of validity in its format and content, while its reliability was analyzed after the experiment. Statistical differences between both groups were measured. Significant statistical differences were found in favor of the participants who used the simulator for both the post-test score and the gain (difference between post-test and pre-test scores). The effect size turned out to be significant as well. In this work we evaluated a magnetic resonance simulation paradigm as a tool to help in the training of radiographers. The study shows that a simulator built on specific design requirements is a valuable complement to traditional education procedures, backed up with significant quantitative results.

A Web-Based Educational Magnetic Resonance Simulator: Design, Implementation and Testing.

A new web-based education-oriented magnetic resonance (MR) simulator is presented. We have identified the main requirements that this simulator should comply with, so that trainees can face useful practical tasks such as setting the exact slice position and its properties, selecting the correct protocol or fitting the parameters to acquire an image. The tool follows the client-server model. The client contains the interface that mimics the console of a real machine and several of its features. The server stores anatomical models and executes the bulk of the simulation. This cross-platform simulator has been used in two real educational scenarios. The acceptance of the tool has been measured using two criteria, namely, the System Usability Scale and the Likelihood to Recommend, both with satisfactory results. Therefore, we conclude that given the potential of the tool, it may play a relevant role for the training of MRI operators and other involved personnel.

Integration of an intelligent tutoring system in a magnetic resonance simulator for education: Technical feasibility and user experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In this paper we propose to include an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) within a magnetic resonance (MR) simulator that has been developed in house. With this, we intend to measure the impact, in terms of user experience, of including an ITS in our simulator. METHODS: We thoroughly describe the integration procedure and we have tested the benefits of this integration by means of two actual educational experiences, with one of them using the simulator as a standalone tool, and the other with the joint use of simulator+ITS. The experiences have consisted of two online courses with a number of students around 180 in both of them, where measurements of usability, perceived utility and likelihood to recommend were collected. RESULTS: We have observed that the three measurements improved noticeably in the second course with respect to the first one; specifically, overall usability improved by 22.3%, perceived utility by an average of 55.1% and likelihood to recommend by 13.7%. In addition, quantitative measurements are complemented with comments in free text format directly provided by the students. Results show evidence on the benefits of integrating an ITS in terms of quantitative user experience, as well as qualitative comparative comments directly by students of both courses. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that an ITS is used within the scope of MR simulation for training purposes. Benefits of integrating an ITS within an MR simulator have been evaluated in terms of user experience, with satisfactory comparative results.