Interventional radiology education: Patient experience with an educational website.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an educational website on patient understanding of Interventional Radiology (IR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An informational website with descriptions and images of 12 common IR procedures was developed with the aim of educating patients. One hundred patients referred to a large, academic institution were randomly selected to participate. Anonymous 11-question, 5-point Likert-scale assessments were administered before and after engaging with the educational website. The survey evaluated patients' understanding of IR procedures and satisfaction with the website as an educational tool. RESULTS: One hundred patients completed the pre-/post-implementation evaluations. Among matched questions, there was an increase in patient understanding of IR with mean score improvement from 2.10 to 4.57 (p < 0.001), their knowledge of common procedures from 1.74 to 4.66 (p < 0.001), and their consideration for their next procedure to be with IR from 2.24 to 4.62 (p < 0.001). Additionally, patients had an overall positive impression of the website (mean 4.80). Over 75% of patients found the descriptions and images "very helpful". CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that website use for patient education has the potential to be effective in increasing overall patient understanding of IR and familiarity with common interventional procedures.

Artificial Intelligence in Neuroradiology: A Review of Current Topics and Competition Challenges.

There is an expanding body of literature that describes the application of deep learning and other machine learning and artificial intelligence methods with potential relevance to neuroradiology practice. In this article, we performed a literature review to identify recent developments on the topics of artificial intelligence in neuroradiology, with particular emphasis on large datasets and large-scale algorithm assessments, such as those used in imaging AI competition challenges. Numerous applications relevant to ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, brain tumors, demyelinating disease, and neurodegenerative/neurocognitive disorders were discussed. The potential applications of these methods to spinal fractures, scoliosis grading, head and neck oncology, and vascular imaging were also reviewed. The AI applications examined perform a variety of tasks, including localization, segmentation, longitudinal monitoring, diagnostic classification, and prognostication. While research on this topic is ongoing, several applications have been cleared for clinical use and have the potential to augment the accuracy or efficiency of neuroradiologists.

Nationwide Analysis of Integrated and Independent Interventional Radiology Residency Websites During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze current interventional radiology residency program websites based on validated criteria and highlight areas for improvement during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ACGME-accredited interventional radiology residency programs were identified from the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) public database, including 91 independent and 89 integrated programs. Program Webpages were then evaluated during September and October 2020 based on the presence of 48 criteria, organized into seven main categories including visibility & communication, program information, curriculum information, faculty description, research, recruitment, and salary and benefits. Programs were also evaluated based on region and research ranking. Additionally, 166 programs with accreditation for Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) were assessed for the presence or absence of ESIR pathway acknowledgement on program webpages. RESULTS: The online search yielded information on all integrated programs (89/89, 100%) and 74 independent programs (74/91, 80.3%). For the ESIR programs, the online search for accreditation acknowledgement yielded 108 programs (108/166, 65%) approved for this pathway. Only seven of the 89 integrated programs met at least 75% of the criteria. Of the 91 independent programs, only one met at least 75% of the criteria. On average, integrated programs met more criteria (25, 52%) than independent programs (17, 36%). When comparing programs based on national rank, the visibility & communication category met more criteria on average than the lower ranked programs (integrated =73% vs. 64%, p = 0.01), (independent = 73% vs. 45%, p = 0.01). When comparing programs regionally, statistical significance was found only in the research category (p = 0.01). When comparing the integrated programs with the independent programs for averages in the 7 categories and the total criteria, statistical significance was found in all categories except facility description: visibility & communication (67.5% vs. 53. 7%, p = 0.01), program information (75.7% vs. 58%, p = 0.01), curriculum information (54.8% vs. 31.4, p = 0.01), research (42.5% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.01), recruitment (42.6% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.01), salary & benefits (47.8% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.01), and total criteria (52% vs. 35.8%, p = 0.01. CONCLUSION: IR residency programs across the country are proficient in providing curricular, and logistical information online. However, improvement is needed in providing nonacademic highlights unique to programs that can aid in maximizing applicant match and compatibility. The information provided by online resources has the potential to influence residency applicant's program ranking and chosen pathway, particularly during the COVID19 pandemic.