Radiology - Integrated Training Initiative: R-ITI: About R-ITI

The demand for radiologists

We are currently not producing enough UK trained radiologists to meet clinical need. Calculations show that traditional training will not produce the necessary increase in numbers. Training schemes are becoming saturated and consultant training time is pressurised by heavy service workloads.

The Radiology Integrated Training Initiative (R-ITI) has been created by the Royal College of Radiologists, the Department of Health and the NHS to respond to this need and develop a new approach to training radiologists, increasing capacity to meet demand without putting additional strain on current resource.

R-ITI offers an innovative learning solution that combines traditional proven teaching models with state of the art techniques and technology. The result is an integrated training system combining years of tried and tested teaching techniques with instantly accessible, time flexible and interactive electronic learning.

What is the ‘Integrated Training Approach’?

The Integrated Training Approach (ITI) creates a stimulating learning environment by combining different teaching methods. These methods include:

e-learning
self-assessment using an archive of validated images (VCA)
formal assessments
skills labs
tutorials/lectures
clinical placements

Key principles of R-ITI are:

To use small groups and peer learning to enhance the learning experience
To use technology to extend and enhance the clinical learning environment
To reach larger numbers of trainees within the existing training structure
To extend the clinical environment by involving trainees in local service delivery
To provide more consistent training and effective resources

Three academies have been established, one in Leeds, one in Norfolk and Norwich and one in Plymouth. Each academy offers trainees access to:

computer linked e-learning sessions
the Validated Case Archive (VCA) where they can study images and films of actual cases alongside their pathologies and diagnoses
skills labs to practice practical techniques before going into clinics
library and tutorial/lecture room facilities

The learning material is authored by subject specialists from across the country, bringing a wealth of clinical experience within their respective specialties.

linking the work of the academies to clinical rotations and e-learning sessions means that trainees can learn to specified and controlled standards, before going into a clinical setting. This frees up consultant time, which can be used to alleviate service demands or to teach more trainees.

Existing training schemes outside these academies will be able to make full use of all the material developed and resources offered by R-ITI.

R-ITI – the response to the demand

R-ITI has pooled the resources of experts from the education and health sectors to develop a sustainable and long-term solution that maintains high teaching standards and is practical to implement. It is now possible to increase the number of high quality trained radiologists without putting additional strain on current resources.

R-ITI is an exciting programme allowing trainees to:

Benefit from an integrated training system combining tried and tested teaching techniques with innovative approaches to electronic learning
Learn from a large number of expert radiologists who author comprehensive e-learning sessions
Develop and hone diagnostic skills and be exposed to a diverse range of case studies through the Validated Case Archive (VCA)
Develop and fine tune practical skills in state of the art skills labs before going into clinics

Every radiologist knows that new technology brings new potential. R-ITI has drawn on state of the art technology to offer instantly accessible, time flexible and interactive electronic learning opportunities:

Remote reviewing of images
The Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) makes it possible to store, transfer and review electronic film in the Academies.
E-learning
Self-directed learning and self-assessment programmes give trainees greater flexibility in the way they learn.
VCA (Validated Case Archive)
Trainees can view annotated, high quality films and images of cases from across the UK, demonstrating normal and abnormal pathologies.

What are R-ITI’s aims?

To train more radiologists:

R-ITI aims to provide the NHS with a significantly higher number of trained radiologists to enhance the quality of the service for users and help alleviate demands currently made on consultant time.

To use technology to enhance learning:

By involving expert radiologists in the authoring of e-learning programmes and submission of cases to the VCA (Validated Case Archive), R-ITI aims to give trainees greater access to the breadth of knowledge and experience held within the radiology community.

Trainees will have more control over their own training. They will be less reliant on a single source of knowledge (such as a lecture) and will have access to more diverse range of cases.

Trainees will have the opportunity to use electronic tools to practice their skills e.g. in the area of Ultrasound or in the diagnosis of complex MR images.

To test and evaluate the blended method of training:

In addition to the key aims listed above, R-ITI will improve training for clinical radiologists currently working within the NHS by increasing their exposure to specialists in the field and access to cases beyond their trusts. It is expected that doctors and professional groups from outside the radiology community will benefit from the advanced facilities and training provided by R-ITI.