USING DOPS (DIRECTLY OBSERVED PROCEDURAL SKILLS) FOR ASSESSMENT OF FLUOROSCOPIC PROFICIENCY OF RADIOLOGY RESIDENTS: INITIAL EXPERIENCE.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess feasibility and potential benefits of a different educational technique i.e. DOPS (Directly Observed Procedural Skills) in assessment of fluoroscopic proficiency of radiology residents in comparison with traditional end of rotation feedback.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in department of Radiology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan between January 2014 to December 2015. A fluoroscopic manual was designed by a senior radiologist in which departmental protocols of fluoroscopy procedures were described and was given to all radiology residents and faculty. A hands-on 3 day fluoroscopic work shop was conducted to ensure uniformity in image acquisition in fluoroscopic procedures.

Later two Radiologists carried out DOPS assessment session. A single station was made with procedures performed on a mock patient (healthy volunteer) without active fluoroscopy. Assessment was marked on a pre designed Performa. A post DOPS questionnaire was given to participating residents to give their opinion on this newer system.

RESULTS: Twelve out of a total of thirteen radiology residents were evaluated. Seventeen percent (n=2) of residents were ranked very good (can perform procedure independently), 42% (n=4) were ranked as good (can perform under indirect supervision), 33% (n=4) as satisfactory (can perform under direct supervision) and 8% (n=1) as below expectation (needs remedial work before handling patient). Ninety one percent (n=11) residents said that this new tool was effective in improving their fluoroscopic skills. All residents (n=12) agreed that DOPS is better than conventional end of rotation written feedback for fluoroscopy.

CONCLUSION: DOPS has been found to be a much better assessment tool as compared to our conventional end of rotation written feedback for assessment of fluoroscopic proficiency  of  radiology residents.

Keywords: DOPS (Directly Observed Procedural Skills), fluoroscopic proficiency, radiology residents.