Measuring changes in undergraduate medical student radiology knowledge and perceptions following a one-week comprehensive boot camp

Purpose: To measure change in radiology knowledge, confidence in radiology skills, and perceptions pertaining to radiology following a one-week boot camp elective for undergraduate medical students.

Methods/Materials: Pre-clerkship medical students were enrolled in a five-day comprehensive radiology elective including sessions on image interpretation, procedural skills, and appropriate image ordering. A 21-question multiple choice pre- and post-elective knowledge quiz was administered utilizing radiology questions from the validated AMSER STARS database. Questions were chosen based on the AMSER “Must See” radiology diagnoses. Additionally, a pre- and post-elective survey was administered assessing radiology career interest, confidence in radiology-based skills, and the perceived importance of radiology-based skills in specialties other than radiology. Responses from the assessments were analysed anonymously using paired t-tests.

Results: 15 students enrolled in the course and 14 completed all assessments. The average score on the quiz increased from 50.1% to 66.0% (p < 0.001). On the post-elective survey, most students reported increased confidence in radiographic interpretation (64.3%), ultrasound interpretation (78.6%), CT/MRI interpretation (57.1%), general radiology knowledge and procedural skills (78.6%), and in their ability to order appropriate imaging tests (71.4%) compared to the pre-elective survey. Average student satisfaction with the elective was 8.1 out of 10. 14 students (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that improving their radiology knowledge, procedural skills, and image ordering skills would benefit them on non-radiology clinical rotations.

Conclusions: After a one-week radiology elective, pre-clerkship medical students increased their radiology knowledge and most students demonstrated improved confidence in image interpretation, procedural skills, and appropriate ordering. The elective was well-received by learners and instructors.