Alex Botsford*, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada Christopher Smith, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada Angus Hartery, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada Track: Practice Presentation Topic: Collaborative biomedical research, academic / scholarly communication, publishing and peer review Presentation Type: Poster presentation Submission Type: Single Presentation Last modified: 2014-08-11

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BACKGROUND: Internet-based collaboration tools are increasingly used in medical education and research. Several studies have explored the use of internet collaboration tools among radiology residents in the context of both clinical duties and self-directed study. These studies indicate there is increasing adoption of online technologies versus traditional educational resources in this population, particularly since 2007. There is little information regarding the acceptance of these new technologies, in particular multiplatform data sharing tools, by current staff educators, however.

The purpose of this study was to determine: 1) the awareness of internet-based collaborative tools, 2) the frequency of their use and 3)whether there was a desire for local education to facilitate a more widespread use of this technology for resident education.

EVALUATION: A cross-sectional survey of staff radiologists and radiology residents at a local academic institution was conducted. The survey was administered using a web-based survey tool. In addition to outcome measures relating to awareness of, use of, and willingness to incorporate multiplatform data sharing tools into practice and education, demographic data including age, gender, subspecialty, and number of years in practice was also collected. Descriptive and correlative statistics assessed the extent to which these demographic variables predicted datasharing awareness and use. At the conclusion of the survey, results were distributed to study participants and an educational session was conducted to encourage use of these tools. A follow-up survey will be conducted at 3 months to assess impact and technology uptake.

DISCUSSION: Analogous to the rapid emergence of imaging technology, there has been a rapid evolution of internet-based collaborative tools and technologies in the past decade. The extent to which these tools have been adopted by staff educators is unknown, but hypothesized to be less than that of residents.This study assesses awareness of, use of and willingness to obtain a degree of proficiency in the application of these tools for incorporation into practice and education.

CONCLUSION: While there is increasing evidence of resident use of online collaborative technologies, it is unknown if staff are aware of and utilizing these technologies . There is great potential to improve education by adoption of all parties to enhance residency education . This study aims to encourage greater adoption of these tools, which could aid in the expanding role of the radiologist in everyday clinical settings.