A review of peer-assisted learning to deliver interprofessional supplementary image interpretation skills.

Bain, P.; Wareing, A.; Henderson, I.

Abstract

Background Peer-assisted learning provides a means through which individuals can learn from one another through a reciprocal process. Radiographic image interpretation skills are fundamental to both diagnostic radiography students and medical students due to their shared role in preliminary evaluation of conventional radiographic images. Medical students on graduation, may not be well prepared to carry out image interpretation, since evidence suggests that they perform less well than radiographers in e.g. Accident and Emergency situations. Method A review of literature was conducted exploring the application of peer-assisted learning within diagnostic radiography and health education more widely as well as the practice of initial image interpretation. An extensive and systematic search strategy was developed which provided a range of material related to the areas. Findings An overview was obtained of the effectiveness of peer-assisted learning and the issues associated with development of image interpretation skills and a degree of discrepancy was identified between the two cohorts regarding their interpretative competence and confidence. This inconsistency may create an opportunity to apply peer-assisted learning, better preparing both disciplines for the practical application of image interpretation skills. Conclusion The review identified the lack of a substantial evidence base relating to peer-assisted learning in radiography. Peer-assisted learning is not widely embraced in an interprofessional context. Multiple positive factors of such an intervention are identified which outweigh perceived negative issues. Student teacher and learner may benefit as should the clinical service from enhanced practitioner performance. The findings justify further research to develop the evidence base.

Citation

BAIN, P., WAREING, A. and HENDERSON, I. 2017. A review of peer-assisted learning to deliver interprofessional supplementary image interpretation skills. Radiography [online], 23(Supplement 1), pages S64-S69. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2017.05.002

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 11, 2017
• Online Publication Date: May 24, 2017
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 1, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: May 25, 2018
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-2831
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: Supplement 1
• Pages: S64-S69
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2017.05.002
• Keywords: Students; Radiography; Medical students; Image interpretation; Peer assisted learning
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2340