Curriculum of Interventional Radiology for Clinical Medical Undergraduates

Level of Awareness Regarding Interventional Radiology Among Medical Students at Northern Border University in Arar, Saudi Arabia

Introduction Interventional radiology (IR) is a highly specialized field of radiology that employs advanced imaging techniques like MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds to detect and treat a variety of medical disorders. By using minimally invasive procedures, interventional radiologists can access the body's internal organs and tissues with minimal discomfort and reduced risks compared to traditional surgical techniques. Some common IR procedures include angioplasty, embolization, biopsy, and stent placement, among others. Overall, IR is an innovative and effective approach to medical care that offers numerous benefits to patients. As this specialty expands, there is a huge demand for increasing staff. However, due to a lack of awareness, this increased demand could not be fulfilled. Objective The objective is to assess medical students' knowledge regarding IR and compare this knowledge between male and female students. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out at Northern Border University's College of Medicine in Arar, Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to assess the medical students' knowledge of IR. All students enrolled in the clinical years at Northern Border University were included in the study, and a self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data. The minimum sample size required was 169. Appropriate statistical analysis was applied to the collected data, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results One hundred and seventy-two participants in all who met the inclusion criteria answered the study's questionnaire. The fourth-year students represented the highest percentage of the sample, with 65 participants (37.8%), followed by 54 (31.4%) fifth-year students and 53 (30.8%) sixth-year students. The study found that 66 participants (38.4%) rated their knowledge of IR as adequate, while only 8 (4.7%) considered it excellent. The participants' self-rated knowledge of IR did not significantly differ across male and female groups. Conclusion The study's findings suggest that medical students have limited knowledge of IR and that there is no discernible difference in the knowledge and interest of males and females in this subject. Further research and targeted educational interventions may be necessary to improve the medical students' overall knowledge and interest in IR.

Critical review of multidisciplinary non-surgical local interventional ablation techniques in primary or secondary liver malignancies

Local non-surgical interventional percutaneous ablation represents nowadays an important part of the potential treatment strategies. Although surgical ablation represents the gold standard, in the past decade there was an expansion in the use of non-surgical ablative techniques: radiofrequency, microwave, laser, cryoablation, irreversible electroporation, and interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) in primary as well as secondary liver cancers. With the growing experience in the field, there was implemented a new pillar for cancer treatment, together with surgery, chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy, so-called interventional oncology (IO). To date, there are no published papers regarding a comparative interdisciplinary evaluation of all these non-surgical interventional local ablation therapies. Our paper offers a critical interdisciplinary overview of the treatments in both primary and secondary liver tumors, including from a cost-effective point of view. Furthermore, the present status of education in IO and a comparison of actual economic aspects of the treatments are also provided.

Are interventional radiology and allied specialities neglected in undergraduate medical education? A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive interventional approaches are gaining wider acceptance with several specialities incorporating such principles. Awareness and understanding of interventional principles require efficacious education and training methodologies. We performed a systematic review to identify all available interventional speciality learning modules or training opportunities available for undergraduate medical students. We also propose a standardised framework for relevant modules.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and all Ovid databases with no language restriction for studies that report and evaluate interventional speciality educational modules or similar training initiatives. We followed a prospective protocol (PROSPERO registration: CRD42018110006). Internal and external validity of the included studies was assessed. Qualitative synthesis of data was performed to define performance improvement and/or motivation towards a career in an interventional speciality.

RESULTS

Out of 6081 records, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria, 15 of which were focused on interventional radiology. More than half of studies (9/17) were surveys where student knowledge and interest were reported as poor. 5 out of 6 studies which assessed the effect of educational interventions concluded to improved knowledge or performance. Most surveys concluded that early exposure can increase interest towards such specialities, improve knowledge and relevant motivation.

CONCLUSIONS

Few studies report teaching initiatives in interventional radiology and other interventional specialities, reflecting the poor relevant motivation and knowledge amongst medical students. Simple interventions e.g. introductory lectures and simulation sessions spark interest in students and also improve knowledge as proven in the case of interventional radiology. Standardisation of such efforts via a suggested framework, Strategy Development Framework for Interventional Radiology, can further optimise such outcomes.