Computer-based simulator for radiology: an educational tool.

In the past decade, radiology has moved from being predominantly film based to predominantly digital. Although in clinical terms the transition has been relatively smooth, the method in which radiology is taught has not kept pace. Simulator programs have proved effective in other specialties as a method for teaching a specific skill set. Because many radiologists already work in the digital environment, a simulator could easily and safely be integrated with a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and become a powerful tool for radiology education. Thus, a simulator program was designed for the specific purpose of giving residents practice in reading images independently, thereby helping them to prepare more fully for the rigors of being on call. The program is similar to a typical PACS, thus allowing a more interactive learning process, and closely mimics the real-world practice of radiology to help prepare the user for a variety of clinical scenarios. Besides education, other possible uses include certification, testing, and the creation of teaching files.