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

Purpose: We developed a computer-based interactive simulation program for teaching contrast reactionmanagement to radiology trainees and compared its effectiveness to high-fidelity hands-on simulationtraining.Materials and methods: IRB approved HIPAA compliant prospective study of 44 radiology residents, fellowsand 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 theirintervention. Four months later participants took a delayed written test and a hands-on high-fidelitysevere 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' scoresimproved immediately following the intervention (p < 0.001). The delayed test scores 4 months laterwere still significantly higher than the pre-test scores (p = 0.02). The computer group's performance wassimilar to the hands-on group on the severe contrast reaction simulation scenario test (p = 0.7). Therewere also no significant differences between the computer and hands-on groups in performance on theindividual 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 contrastreaction management. Trainees that underwent computer-based simulation training scored similarly onwritten tests and on a hands-on high-fidelity severe contrast reaction scenario performance test as thosetrained with hands-on high-fidelity simulation.