Vascular and Interventional Radiology Training; International Perspectives and Challenges

Longitudinal investigation of undergraduates' radiation anxiety, interest, and career intention in interventional radiology

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of the school curriculum and on-site observation of interventional radiology (IR) operations in clinics on undergraduates' radiation anxiety, interest, and career intention.

METHODS

Between the academic years 2021 and 2023, all of the fourth-year undergraduates were surveyed by questionnaires, which covered their pre-curriculum, post-curriculum in-school, and post-on-site view of IR surgeries in clinic. The survey included categories of gender, fear of X-ray and IR operation, interest in IR surgery, and career-pursuing intention.

RESULTS

A total of 333 (91.0%) respondents (111 students for three times) were included in analyses. The fear of X-ray and radiation exposure during IR procedures was reduced after taking school courses (p < 0.001), and it was further decreased after on-site viewing (p < 0.001). The association values among the three groups were 33.8% and 41.9%, respectively. The interest in IR was improved both after applying for the curriculum and after clinical exposure to IR surgery (p < 0.001). In addition, 4 (3.6%) and 12 (10.8%) students showed a sense of achievement after taking courses and on-site viewing, respectively. The association value was 49.4%. Regarding career intention, it was both significantly increased after taking courses and on-site observation (p < 0.001). Besides, 8 (7.2%), 17 (15.3%), and 36 (32.4%) students in the three groups considered IR as the preferred career choice, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying for IR curriculum could reduce undergraduates' radiation anxiety, and activate their professional interest and career pursuing intention. Clinical exposure to IR surgeries further boosted this effect.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Educational interventions of curriculum and on-site view of IR surgery improve the undergraduates' interest in IR and stimulate their career intention, which is crucial for the advancement of IR.

KEY POINTS

Increasing interest in interventional radiology (IR) as a career is urgent, given rising demand of services. Education and on-site viewing of IR surgery reduced radiation anxiety and increased interest in IR. Early exposure to IR is effective at encouraging undergraduates to consider IR as their career.

Research should remain a priority in 21st century radiology recruitment to training

Research drives innovation, however, recently Clinical Radiology has been overwhelmed by increased clinical demand, workforce shortages and lack of funding/protected research time. The newly released 2023 radiology speciality application process gives research a lower priority compared to other domains such as audit which is concerning given the current lack of research culture within the speciality. It is vital for the future radiology workforce to engage with research and in order to fulfil the Royal College of Radiologist's new curriculum aims of strengthening research within training, we must continue attracting the brightest and best candidates and ensure research remains a priority.

Leadership in Interventional Radiology - Fostering a Culture of Excellence

This invited article reviews the current status of Interventional Radiology (IR), in terms of its status as a speciality, and outlines the conditions needed for IR to function optimally within healthcare settings. Guidance is offered in terms of developing an IR department, ensuring high-quality practice, dealing with administrative and political challenges, dealing with industry and creating a legacy.

The interventional radiology gender gap: perspectives from the international IR training survey

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to examine international interventional radiology (IR) training standards and perceptions. This survey aims to identify gender-based barriers and inequities effecting uptake, retention and experience of trainees in IR.

METHODS

An anonymous survey was created using Survey Monkey and distributed as a single-use weblink via eight IR national and international societies around the world. Data analysis was conducted to highlight gender-specific trends and identify any differences.

RESULTS

Motivation factors given for following a career in IR revealed gender differences in factors such as mentoring (8.7 F vs 21.6% M) and influence from senior colleagues (15.2 F vs 25.0% M). The overwhelming majority across both genders (82.6 F vs 81.3% M) agreed or strongly agreed that early exposure to IR training at Year 1 had a positive impact on career choice. A good work life balance was positively reported in 48.2% of female respondents compared to 45.2% in males. There were no significant differences in satisfaction with the various aspects of IR training. All differences observed between genders, exceeded the 0.05 significance level.

CONCLUSION

This survey offers many insights into the current international landscape of IR training. Ongoing evaluation is vital to inform recruitment practices and initiatives to bridge gender inequities and attract more females into IR.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This study has revealed that increasing and optimising mentoring opportunities may be the first step in increasing awareness of IR and maximising potential female recruits.

Work and Training Conditions of German Residents and Young Radiologists in Interventional Radiology - A Nationwide Survey

INTRODUCTION

 With the increasing need for minimally invasive procedures based on lower complication rates, higher patient acceptance, and technical developments, there is a growing focus on the sound interventional training of young radiologists. This survey aimed to analyze the current situation in interventional radiology (IR) training in Germany to detect shortcomings and identify areas for improvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 From November 1-30, 2020, an online questionnaire was distributed to representative radiological associations and societies with the request to forward it to radiology residents and radiologists < 40 years. The 44 questions covered six distinct areas from personal working conditions to the characterization of the IR department, training conditions, role of women in IR, and attendance at congresses/external training.

RESULTS

 A total of 330 participants completed the questionnaire. 77 % of participants expressed a high interest in IR, and 47 % could even imagine subspecializing in interventional radiology. Most institutions provided the necessary learning conditions and infrastructure. The rate of overall satisfaction with IR training conditions was 45 % (vs. a dissatisfaction rate of 39 %). However, females showed a lower satisfaction rate with their training environment than male participants (28 % vs. 51 %; P = 0.06). Positive correlations with work satisfaction were found for the presence and duration of the IR rotation, the number of partly independently/mentored performed interventions, and structured feedback. Moreover, the need for a structured training curriculum was expressed by 67 % of participants.

CONCLUSION

 Radiological residents and young radiologists expressed a high interest in interventional radiology, and they rate the infrastructure of German hospitals regarding IR as sufficient. However, they expressed the need for consistent IR rotations and better-structured resident and postgraduate education (curricula & interviews).

KEY POINTS

Interest in interventional radiology among radiological residents and young radiologists in Germany is high, but satisfaction with interventional radiology training leaves room for improvement. The most frequently mentioned aspects that can improve IR training were · organized rotations of at least 6 months. · structured curriculums with face-to-face feedback. · structured guidance by senior interventionists during procedures.

CITATION FORMAT

· Sieren M, Katoh M, Mahnken AH et al. Work and Training Conditions of German Residents and Young Radiologists in Interventional Radiology - A Nationwide Survey. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; DOI: 10.1055/a-1853-8549.