THE IMPACT OF RADIOLOGY STUDENTS' UNDERSTANDING OF BASIC PHYSICS COURSES ON THEIR ACHIEVEMENT IN RELATED SPECIALIZATION SUBJECTS
Abstract
Understanding fundamental physics concepts enables radiologists, radiologic technologists, and other experts in medical imaging to improve imaging techniques, accurately interpret images, and assure patient safety. It also has a critical role in proficiency, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to apply physics principles to real-world situations.There is increasing concern that radiologists are not receiving a proper education in physics and that their ability to comprehend medical imaging technology will be hampered if they do not understand the fundamentals and applications of physics. This research aimed to investigate the correlation between radiology students' comprehension of basic physics courses and their performance in specialized radiological subjects. By identifying the impact of foundational physics knowledge on specialization subjects, we can enhance the educational strategies in radiology programs, ultimately improving the quality of radiological practice.
Methods:This cohort study was conducted at Princess Nourahbint Abdulrahman University. The study involved 70 bachelor’s students in the Department of Radiological Sciences. The sample includes 41 students in the Diagnostic Radiology program who studied Computed TomographyPhysics as a basic course in level four and Advanced CT protocols as a specialized course in level six. Moreover, the study recruited 29 students in the Ultrasound Imaging program who studied Ultrasound Physics in level four as a basic course and Doppler Ultrasound Physics in level five as a specialized course. Data were collected retrospectively through academic records to assess students' performance in specialized radiological subjects. The grades for these four courses were collected for the two groups.IBM SPSS was used to assess the difference between the mean of students’ grades.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation for students’ grades in both programs in specialized courses were higher than the basic level courses(86.2 ± 4.9 vs. 89.3 ± 4.7 in Diagnostic Radiology, 83.3 ± 7.42 vs. 90 ±4.6 in Ultrasound Imaging). The paired sample t-test results revealed a significant difference between basic courses and specialized ones(P- value <.001).
Conclusion: Educational institutions and Medical Imaging programs should prioritize the design and delivery of comprehensive physics courses to ensure that students have a solid understanding of the fundamental principles. Providing additional support or resources to students who struggle with basic physics concepts can help them bridge the gap and gain a better understanding of specialized courses. Finally, a solid foundation in basic physics helps students succeed in learning the complexities of specialized courses in the field of Medical Imaging.
