Online Case-Based Course in Veterinary Radiographic Interpretation Generates Better Short- and Long-Term Learning Outcomes than a Virtual Lecture-Based Course.

Accurate interpretation of radiographs is necessary for the correct diagnosis and treatment of patients. Research has shown that active learning methods, including case-based learning, are superior to passive learning methods, such as lectures.1,2 Short-term learning outcomes were compared between two groups by enrolling 80 fourth-semester veterinary students in either an online case-based radiology course (n = 40) or a virtual lecture-based course (n = 40). Long-term learning outcomes were compared among three groups: one group completed case-based instruction in the fourth semester, followed by lecture-based instruction in the fourth semester (n = 19); the second group completed only lecture-based instruction in the fourth semester (n = 22), and the third group completed lecture-based instruction in the fourth semester, followed by case-based instruction in the fifth semester (n = 9). Learning was assessed using a multiple-choice examination and two independently written small animal radiograph reports. In the fourth semester, students completing the case-based course had higher examination scores and radiograph report scores than students who took the lecture-based course. Students completing the lecture-based course in the fourth semester and the case-based course in the fifth semester wrote better radiograph reports than students who completed both courses in the fourth semester; both groups wrote better reports than students who did not take the case-based course. A case-based diagnostic imaging course may be better than a lecture-based course for both short- and long-term retention of knowledge; however, there is a significant loss of knowledge following an instructional gap, and spaced refreshers may boost retention.

Utility of two-view vs. three-view abdominal radiography in canines presenting with acute abdominal signs.

There are clear differences in the normal radiographic appearance of the abdominal organs between a left lateral vs. a right lateral view. While a few veterinary academic institutions have transitioned to a three-view abdominal radiographic study protocol, obtaining only two views of the canine abdomen remains the current standard in veterinary medicine. In this combined retrospective and prospective, case-controlled study, 48 canine patients presenting with signs of acute abdomen were recruited. Four board-certified veterinary radiologists and four general practice veterinarians with greater than 3 years of experience in small animal practice were asked to determine if 10 predetermined findings were present within the set of images and if surgery was recommended based on those findings. Image readers were unaware of the clinical history. Three-view studies did not yield statistically significantly greater accuracy than two-view studies when evaluating all readers together. No statistically significant associations between the availability of the third view and increased accuracy or confidence were found in evaluations of general practitioners specifically. Evaluation of three-view radiographic examination, as compared to two-view examination, did not have perceived or statistically significantly increased diagnostic utility. Based on our findings, there is no statistically increased utility to justify a standard three-view abdominal radiographic examination over a two-view study for canines presenting with signs of acute abdomen.