Utility of instant messaging application, WhatsApp, as a tool to augment post-graduate radiology education.

BACKGROUND: Smart phone technology including different instant messaging applications like, WhatsApp, can be used for the development of radiological skills, reporting, and performance. To determine the utility, attitude, and outcome of WhatsApp for augmenting education in FCPS radiology residency program. To assess the opinion of radiology residents regarding WhatsApp as a tool to enhance postgraduate training. METHODOLOGY: A mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) was conducted at Dow Institute of Radiology, Karachi, Pakistan. All FCPS Radiology residents were given a radiological case by principal investigator followed by residents' response in 24 h. Key findings were shared by the mentor. Before and after the intervention of WhatsApp, all residents were evaluated with written and radiological imaging reporting exam. For quantitative analysis, a closed ended questionnaire was used containing information about total number of messages, images, webpage links shared, level of contribution (active/non-active), and utility (contribution in education related topic only). A feedback form with Likert scale was also got filled by all residents. For qualitative research, semi structured interviews (SSIs) were conducted. RESULTS: Median number of total images shared were 293 (IQR 1002 images), messages shared 110 (IQR), webpages shared were 54 webpages (61 webpages) and total contents shared by participants was 243 (544 contents). Active contributors showed better performance in utility, competency of contents and attitude towards using social media as a medium for learning. Comparison of written and OSCE results showed better performance after the intervention. Feedback form with Likert scale revealed that students responded positively regarding the shared learning content. Thematic analysis showed 52 codes and 16 themes. CONCLUSION: In this research we have observed that WhatsApp is highly efficient and productive academic tool which can amplify postgraduate radiology education. Student's narrative reflects that residents have found the missing link which can take them to radiological professional excellence through targeted high-profile learning outside lecture hall in time and place convenient motivational environment. Once it will be blended with existing teaching strategy, it can prove to be a game changer.

Experiences of virtual teaching during COVID-19 in medical institutes of Karachi, Pakistan: teachers' perspective.

Objective: To determine the experiences of faculty members related to virtual teaching. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from January 15 to March 15, 2021, at undergraduate medical institutions located in Karachi, and comprised all the faculty members. Data was collected using a Google Survey questionnaire, and it was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 385 subjects, 157(40.78%) were from basic sciences faculty, and 228(59.2%) were from the clinical sciences faculty. The majority had 3-5 years of teaching experience 142(37%). The most common online tool was Zoom 250(65%). The faculty who had prior experience or had received formal training for online teaching was more successful in controlling and engaging students than the rest (p<0.001). Those who had enough computer literacy had a better experience in conducting online teaching sessions (p=0.01). The experienced faculty found the opportunity to focus more on the topic that was to be taught online (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the faculty members used online tool Zoom. Faculty members with computer literacy and proper training for online teaching were more successful in controlling and engaging students and conducting online teaching sessions.