About - Project Background

Reports are the primary work product for non-interventional radiologists. The quality of these important documents is often determined by arbitrary factors and personal "style." Studies show that training programs have historically placed relatively little emphasis on constructing the report or on communication skills. Competency in communication is now required by the ACGME competencies for resident training. For Radiology training programs, this translates into competency in reporting and interpersonal communication skills.

Backed by grants in 2003 and 2005 from the RSNA R&E Foundation and support from our departments, we have constructed a web-based program consisting of tutorial modules that will provide instruction and guidelines for reporting and for certain types of interpersonal communication skills. The program is designed to help provide assessment of resident/user in these skills.

The curriculum is targeted to radiology residents. Our hope is that residency programs will direct their trainees to complete the program during the first year of training. Individual user accounts allow for tracking, documentation and reporting of results to program directors. The program is designed to incorporate new concepts as the professional-legal-economic milieu evolves. This makes it also ideal for practicing radiologists, and we plan to make CME credit available under the auspices of the University of Florida Office of Continuing Medical Education.