Enhancing contrast safety knowledge in radiology residents via a national virtual workshop

Background: Training in contrast-related issues and managing contrast reactions are essential skills for radiology residents from their early training years. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a national virtual contrast workshop for first-year radiology residents across the Kingdom. Methods: All first-year radiology residents from across the Kingdom attended a one-day contrast workshop as part of the new "Core Radiology Skills" rotation. The workshop was delivered via a virtual platform and included didactic lectures and simulated case scenarios. Residents were asked to complete optional pre- and post-tests (20 multiple-choice questions) and a feedback form. The learning outcomes, lectures, simulated case scenarios, and tests were based on the content of the 2021 American College of Radiology (ACR) Manual on Contrast Media. Results: A total of 139 of 177 first- and second-year radiology residents completed the workshop and answered the pre-and post-tests. Most participants were from Riyadh province (41.8%) and Makkah province (31.6%). The mean overall pre-test score was 88.13 out of 200 (SD: 29.58), which significantly increased to 148.56 out of 200 (SD: 38.38) in the post-test, with a P-value of <.001 and a 57.2% overall percent change in scores. Participants' feedback indicated a positive reception of the course. Conclusion: The national virtual contrast media workshop effectively improved participants' knowledge. Favorable feedback reflects the workshop's success in addressing essential topics and delivering clear learning points. To enhance the educational experience, virtual breakout rooms should be considered. A six-month follow-up refresher course is recommended for long-term knowledge retention.