Radiology residents' learning curve for interpretation of female pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A longitudinal study in Isfahan university of medical sciences

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Accurate interpretation of female pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a critical yet challenging skill for radiology residents. This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of pelvic MRI interpretation following a structured educational intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this longitudinal semi-experimental study, 20 third- and fourth-year radiology residents participated between 2023 and 2024. Participants underwent seven consecutive pelvic MRI interpretation assessments, including one baseline test and six post-training evaluations. The educational intervention consisted of three structured pelvic MRI training sessions followed by iterative feedback-based learning. Performance was assessed using standardized scoring (maximum score = 100). Changes in scores over time were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for residency year and baseline performance. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean examination scores increased significantly from 17.8 +/- 13.7 at baseline to 77.1 +/- 14.4 at the final assessment (P < 0.001). Repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant time effect (Greenhouse-Geisser correction, P < 0.001). Variability in scores decreased progressively over time, indicating convergence toward stable competency. CONCLUSION: A structured, feedback-oriented pelvic MRI training program resulted in significant and sustained improvement in residents' interpretative performance, supporting its application in competency-based radiology education.