MP20: ImageSim - performance-based medical image interpretation learning system

Abstract

Introduction: Medical images (e.g. radiographs) are the most commonly ordered tests in emergency medicine. As such, emergency medicine physicians are faced with the task of learning the skill of interpreting these images to an expert performance level by the time they provide opinions that guide patient management decisions. However, discordant interpretations of these images between emergency physicians and expert counterparts (e.g. radiologists) is a common cause of medical error. In pediatrics, this problem is even greater due to the changing physiology with age. Methods: ImageSim (https://imagesim.com/) is an evidence-based on-line learning platform derived and validated over an 11 year period (https://imagesim.com/research-and-efficacy/). This learning system incorporates the concepts of cognitive simulation, gamification, deliberate practice, and performance-based competency in the presentation and interpretation of medical images. Specifically, ImageSim presents images as they are experienced in clinical practice and incorporates a normal to abnormal ratio is representative of that seen in emergency medicine. Further, it forces the participant to commit to the case being normal or abnormal and if abnormal, the participant has to visually locate the specific area of pathology on the image. The participant submits a response and gets text and visual feedback with every case. After each case, the participant gets to play again until they reach a desired competency threshold (80% is bronze resident; 90% silver staff emergency medicine physician; 97% gold radiologist). Importantly, the learning experience also emphasizes deliberate practice such that the learning system provides hundreds of case examples and therefore each participants performance has the opportunity to improve along their individual learning curve. Results: Course selection was made based on known medical image interpretation knowledge gaps for practicing emergency physicians. Currently, ImageSim live courses include pediatric musculoskeletal radiographs (2,100 cases, 7 modules) and pediatric chest radiographs (434 cases). In 2018, we will also release a pediatric point-of-care ultrasound course (400 cases, 4 modules) and the pre-pubertal female genital examination (150 cases). For a demo, go to https://imagesim.com/demo/. Using ImageSim, the deliberate practice of about 120 cases (1 hour time commitment) increases accuracy on average by 15%. Currently integrated into 10 emergency medicine training programs and there are about 300 continuing medical education world-wide participants. Conclusion: While acquiring mastery for these images may take years to acquire via clinical practice alone, this learning system can potentially help achieve this in just a few hours.