Quality assurance: radiologist training and monitoring
Work package nine
This work package is developing and iteratively testing an online application for a complex web-based training and mentoring platform fit for purpose of implementation in the full national lung cancer screening programme.
The Digital Cancer Screening team is developing a stand-alone application capable of providing training and feedback to radiologists who examine chest CT cases carried out for lung cancer screening. The purpose of the work package is to assist radiologists across the UK develop and maintain their expertise in interpreting chest CT imaging performed for lung cancer screening. This application will improve their skills in making correct, and cost-effective decisions on CT findings. It is intended that, in the future, this will provide ongoing monitoring of performance, feedback and re-training where such need is identified. The application encompasses all aspects of training in low dose CT for screening, including incidental findings, with any appropriate recommendations.
The application is being built using the PERFORMS structure, an existing web-based distance learning platform that has been widely used in the UK Breast Screening Programme as the mandated Quality Assurance tool for breast screening readers. The PERFORMS architecture, methodology and specifications are being adapted to the lung cancer screening scenario to provide the basis for life-long learning by supporting participants in developing transferable image interpretation skills.
An initial test set of clinically proven 40 CT cases from various DART partner hospitals is being used during this design phase. All cases consist of a set of de-identified CT images, anonymous patient clinical information (e.g. age, previous examination, etc.), a summary of radiological opinion provided by expert radiologists and the biopsy-proven pathology results, where appropriate.
This work package is essential in order to develop the initial application prior to iterative testing and further development, designing the follow-on development of a complex web-based training and mentoring platform fit for purpose for implementation in the full national lung cancer screening programme.
