Evaluation of PM2.5 Concentration and Determinant Parameters on its Distribution in Tehran’s Metro System in 2012

Background and purpose: Chest X Ray (CXR) is one of the most common radiography uses in the emergency department. Availability of radiologists varies in different emergency centers, therefore, the ability to accurately interpret chest X-rays is highly crucial for residents in emergency medicine programs. The present article evaluates this ability in residents of emergency medicine. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study 11 CXRs with specified interpretation were selected from radiologic text books and given to residents of emergency medicine of three educational hospitals for interpretation. SPSS 18 was used to analyze the responses. Results: A total of 114 residents were studied. The mean score achieved by residents in emergency medicine programs was 7.2 ± 2.5 (65.4% of the questions were answered correctly). The average score of students undertaking emergency medicine in Imam Khomeini, Rasool Akram and Imam Hossein Hospitals were 6.4 ± 1.7, 8.5 ± 3.2, and 6.8 ± 1.9, respectively (P= 0.001). No significant correlation was found between level of residency and the mean score achieved by the study population (P> 0.05). However, the average score among students who passed radiology rotation was significantly higher. Conclusion: Enhancing the quality and quantity of radiologic courses are necessary to increase the ability of residents in emergency medicine in CXR interpretation.