Support for external validity of radiological anatomy tests using volumetric images

Cecile J. Ravesloot, Anouk van der Gijp, Marieke F van der Schaaf, Josephine C B M Huige, Koen L Vincken, Christian P Mol, Ronald L A W Bleys, Olle T ten Cate, JPJ van Schaik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Radiology practice has become increasingly based on volumetric images (VIs), but tests in medical education still mainly involve two-dimensional (2D) images. We created a novel, digital, VI test and hypothesized that scores on this test would better reflect radiological anatomy skills than scores on a traditional 2D image test. To evaluate external validity we correlated VI and 2D image test scores with anatomy cadaver-based test scores.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2012, 246 medical students completed one of two comparable versions (A and B) of a digital radiology test, each containing 20 2D image and 20 VI questions. Thirty-three of these participants also took a human cadaver anatomy test. Mean scores and reliabilities of the 2D image and VI subtests were compared and correlated with human cadaver anatomy test scores. Participants received a questionnaire about perceived representativeness and difficulty of the radiology test.

RESULTS: Human cadaver test scores were not correlated with 2D image scores, but significantly correlated with VI scores (r = 0.44, P < .05). Cronbach's α reliability was 0.49 (A) and 0.65 (B) for the 2D image subtests and 0.65 (A) and 0.71 (B) for VI subtests. Mean VI scores (74.4%, standard deviation 2.9) were significantly lower than 2D image scores (83.8%, standard deviation 2.4) in version A (P < .001). VI questions were considered more representative of clinical practice and education than 2D image questions and less difficult (both P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS: VI tests show higher reliability, a significant correlation with human cadaver test scores, and are considered more representative for clinical practice than tests with 2D images.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)640-645
Number of pages6
JournalAcademic Radiology
Volume22
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Testing
  • radiology education
  • volumetric datasets
  • volumetric images
  • radiological image interpretation

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