Prospective randomized study of contrast reaction managementcurricula: Computer-based interactive simulation versus high-fidelityhands-on simulation

Abstract Purpose We developed a computer-based interactive simulation program for teaching contrast reaction management to radiology trainees and compared its effectiveness to high-fidelity hands-on simulation training. Materials and methods IRB approved HIPAA compliant prospective study of 44 radiology residents, fellows and faculty who were randomized into either the high-fidelity hands-on simulation group or computer-based simulation group. All participants took separate written tests prior to and immediately after their intervention. Four months later participants took a delayed written test and a hands-on high-fidelity severe contrast reaction scenario performance test graded on predefined critical actions. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the computer and hands-on groups’ written pretest, immediate post-test, or delayed post-test scores ( p  > 0.6 for all). Both groups’ scores improved immediately following the intervention ( p p  ≤ 0.02). The computer group's performance was similar to the hands-on group on the severe contrast reaction simulation scenario test ( p  = 0.7). There were also no significant differences between the computer and hands-on groups in performance on the individual core competencies of contrast reaction management during the contrast reaction scenario. Conclusion It is feasible to develop a computer-based interactive simulation program to teach contrast reaction management. Trainees that underwent computer-based simulation training scored similarly on written tests and on a hands-on high-fidelity severe contrast reaction scenario performance test as those trained with hands-on high-fidelity simulation.