Training undergraduate students for rapid on-site evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology samples using a simulation-based education activity.

Introduction: Demand for rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is rising and the role is increasingly being performed by non-medical cytologists. Undergraduate training for cytologists has traditionally focused on laboratory-based procedural activities and their theoretical underpinning, with minimal attention given to communication and other skills required to operate in an interprofessional setting. We evaluated the effectiveness and student reaction to a simulation-based education (SBE) exercise in ROSE designed to fill this void.

The development and evaluation of a medical imaging training immersive environment.

Introduction: A novel realistic 3D virtual reality (VR) application has been developed to allow medical imaging students at Queensland University of Technology to practice radiographic techniques independently outside the usual radiography laboratory.

Methods: A flexible agile development methodology was used to create the software rapidly and effectively. A 3D gaming environment and realistic models were used to engender presence in the software while tutor-determined gold standards enabled students to compare their performance and learn in a problem-based learning pedagogy.